Enhanced detachable sensory-interface device for a wireless personal communication device and method

ABSTRACT

A system and method that utilizes a protective sensor-interface apparatus, which removably connects and interfaces to a mobile electronic device, enabling users to more readily access and engage mobile content and data. The present invention provides a method and device wherein the user interfaces with digital content by using touch-sensitive areas on the back and sides of a protective case that interfaces with the mobile device, the software application and other users. This enables additional features that can be customized by users and developers for enhanced sensory experiences and digital rights management by creating components of a separate environment that exists in the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/687,293, filed on Apr. 23, 2012 and titled “Methodand devices for customizable integration of smart accessories thatintegrate with a wireless phone, reader, tablet or other communicationdevice,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,067 filed Mar. 15, 2013by Andrew C. Kamin-Lyndgaard and titled “Detachable sensory-interfacedevice for a wireless personal communication device and method,” andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/814,336, filed on Apr. 21,2013 and titled “Enhanced sensory mobile protection case withuser-customizable options,” each of which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes in its entirety.

This invention is also related to prior U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/401,765, filed on Aug. 19, 2010, titled “Method anddevices for customizable integration of smart accessories that integratewith a wireless phone, reader, tablet or other communications device,”and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/494,004, filed on Jun. 11,2012, titled “Method and apparatus for remote capture of audio in ahandheld device,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference forall purposes in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a method for mobile personalcomputer input-output user interface and devices, and more particularlyfor developer or user-centric, customizable finger-and-hand gesturerecognition, operational control and integration of smart accessoriesfor a mobile personal computer (such as wireless phone, reader, tabletor other communication device) that utilize sensory interfaces. Someembodiments include novel sensory components that enhance user interfaceof the protected mobile computing device with software applications(referred to as “smart” accessories or “appcessories”) and includingsensors or other I/O within the mobile-device enclosure to moreeffectively add user-interface options between the human user and thesoftware applications on the mobile device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,067, filed Mar. 15, 2013 byKamin-Lyndgaard and titled “Detachable sensory-interface device for awireless personal communication device and method,” is incorporatedherein by reference. Application Ser. No. 13/844,067 describes a methodfor mobile personal computer input-output interface and devices.

As mobile electronics continue to evolve, limitations between the datamanagement, digital input and output and user interfaces, and thesoftware applications embedded in the device and applications availablevia the internet, are becoming increasingly more evident. Designers havebuilt various mobile device cases for the purpose of protecting thedevices from weather elements or submersion in water or other liquids,and for impact resistance. Traditionally, external input has beenlimited to the touch interface on the face, or screen, of the mobiledevices. There are several examples of external keyboards that interfacewith the mobile devices via a wireless or a direct physical connection.

As human users continually spend more time with their mobile devices,software developers are providing more and more options and features ofthe software applications they are writing that are accessible viamobile devices. Mobile devices are becoming more useful to human usersbecause of extended battery life and the additional benefits andfeatures that are provided with the actual mobile devices and thevarious external accessories that interface with the devices. However,up until the present invention, there is not a user-centric platformwherein the user can define the software parameters of the data inputand output from sensors and hardware accessories. Various prior-artmethods attempt to provide solutions to the issues and problems thecurrent invention solves.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2012/0007822 of Tong Luo, filedon Sep. 1, 2011, with the title “DETACHABLE BACK MOUNTED TOUCHPAD FOR AHANDHELD COMPUTERIZED DEVICE,” is incorporated herein by reference. Luodescribes a detachable touchpad for a handheld computerized device. Thisdetachable touchpad is configured to reversibly attach to the back of ahandheld computerized device that lacks a rear mounted touchpad, andwith appropriate software, allow the user to at least in part controlthe handheld computerized device from behind the device.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2011/0021251 of Johan Linden,filed on Jul. 22, 009, with the title of “ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITHTOUCH-SENSITIVE CONTROL,” is incorporated herein by reference. Lindendescribes a user input device on a surface of the phone different thanthe surface on which the user views information displayed on a displaythereof. For example, an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, canhave a display on a front side and a user input device such as atouchpad on a backside. The mobile phone can be cradled in a user's palmwhile being securely grasped on edges thereof by the thumb andforefingers of the user's hand. The touchpad, being located on thebackside of the device, can be operated by a user's index finger, forexample.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2007/0103454 by John Elias, filedon Jan. 5, 2007, with the title of “BACK-SIDE INTERFACE FOR HAND-HELDDEVICES” is incorporated herein by reference. Elias describes anelectronic device that uses separate surfaces for input and output. Oneof the surfaces (e.g., the bottom) includes a force-sensitivetouch-surface through which a user provides input (e.g., cursormanipulation and control element selection). On a second surface (e.g.,the top), a display element is used to present information appropriateto the device's function (e.g., video information), one or more controlelements and a cursor. The cursor is controlled through manipulation ofthe back-side touch-surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,588 to Bisset, et al. issued Aug. 6, 1996, with thetitle “Touch pad driven handheld computing device” is incorporatedherein by reference. Bisset describes a handheld computing devicecomprises a thin enclosure having two opposing major faces. A displayscreen is disposed on a first one of the major opposing faces of theenclosure and a touch-sensitive object position detector input device isdisposed on a second one of the major opposing faces of the enclosure.Computing device circuitry, circuitry for interfacing thetouch-sensitive object position detector to the computing devicecircuitry, and circuitry for driving the display screen are all disposedwithin the enclosure.

U.S. Patent Publication 20130076612 titled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH WRAPAROUND DISPLAY” by Scott Myers, published Mar. 28, 2013, and isincorporated herein by reference. Myers describes a consumer electronicproduct includes at least a transparent housing and a flexible displayassembly enclosed within the transparent housing. In the describedembodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to presentvisual content at any portion of the transparent housing.

There remains a need in the art for improved user input interfaces formobile devices specific to separate, protective clip-on enclosures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The evolution of enabling a “smart” apparatus that provides protectionfrom damage or impact to the connected mobile device, while providingadded interfaces and controls with customizable touch-sensitive sensorson the back and sides of the protection apparatus as further describedbelow.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method forimplementing and using a sensory-interface device. The method includes:providing a protective case having plurality of touch-sensitive sensors;attaching the touch-sensor case to a user's mobile device; providing acommunications mechanism configured exchange data between the protectivecase and a user's mobile phone; sensing touch of a user on the case;sensing a gesture made by the user on one of the touch sensitivesurfaces; generating a first authentication code that is personal to theuser based on the sensed gesture; combining the first authenticationcode with a device authentication code to generate a combinedpersonal-and-device authentication code that enables a software functionof the mobile device; and gathering data from a plurality of sources forcompilation into at least one touch-sensitive device; wherein the datacan be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchablefrom a database that is internal to the touch-sensitive device that isaccessible through a communications network. In some embodiments of themethod, the sensed gesture is a grip, and determining from the sensedgrip whether the user is holding the device with a left hand versus aright hand.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computer-readablemedium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions whenexecuted by a suitable information processor, perform a method thatincludes: receiving a signal that includes parameters from a gesturemade by a user on a protective case having a touch sensor, wherein thetouch-sensor case is attached to a user's mobile device; generating afirst authentication code that is personal to the user based on thegesture; combining the first authentication code with a deviceauthentication code to generate a combined personal-and-deviceauthentication code that enables a software function of the mobiledevice; and gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilationinto at least one touch-sensitive device; wherein the data can be sentto remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from adatabase that is internal to the touch-sensitive device that isaccessible through a communications network.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus thatincludes: a protective case that has touch capacitive sensors, whereinthe touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a user's mobiledevice; sensors in the case configured to sense a gesture made by theuser; gesture detector operably connected to the sensor; and auser-authentication generator operably coupled to the gesture detectorand configured to generate a first authentication code that is personalto the user based on the gesture.

As the invention of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,067 ofKamin-Lyndgaard enhances the user interface with mobile devices byexpanding the actual surface area of user input and output through theuse of external sensory components, some embodiments of the presentinvention improve on that method and design. In some embodiments, theprotective case of the present invention encloses the back of a mobiledevice such as a wireless phone; in another embodiment, the casesurrounds a tablet computer.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes an electronic devicethat provides for a way to enhance the user experience by providing forsensory inputs and/or outputs on a protective enclosure of a wirelessmobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a unique and novelcase design to provide external user input sensors when a mobile deviceincorporates sensory components on the back of the mobile device. Insome embodiments a phone which has touch-sensory surfaces located on theback of the phone itself would not benefit the user who uses a case orother protective enclosure that covers this surface. In the presentinvention, the back of the phone would be exposed to enable the user toaccess the touch-sensory components located on the phone itself. In someembodiments this invention provides for a thin layer of sensory materialthat covers the sensors located on the back of the phone, providingaccess to use the sensory components on the back of the phone whileproviding a protective layer from potential damage from the elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overview block diagram of a hardware- andoperating-environment (or system) 100 that is used in conjunction withsome embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustration of data transfer between asensory-interface device user and various other devices, according tosome embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration data transfer between a firstsensory-interface device and a second sensory-interface device,according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration the transfer of sensory data between a firstsensory-interface device and a second sensory-interface device,according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a back-and-side-views diagram of the embossed touch-sensitivesurface on the back of a sensory-interface device, along with a detailview of the back, according to other embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective-view illustration of major elements of asensory-interface device, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective-view diagram of a sensory-interfacedevice, along with front and back views of the device in closed andopened configurations, according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective-view illustration of major elements of asensory-interface device, according to other embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective-view exploded diagram of a sensory-interfacedevice, along with front and back views of the device in closed andopened configurations, according to other embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective-view illustration of major elements of asensory-interface device, according to other embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 an exploded perspective-view diagram of a sensory-interfacedevice, according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective-view illustration of a sensory-interface devicewhich includes a micro-thin, touch and/or pressure sensitive capacitivetouch surface adhesively attached to a mobile device, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective-view illustration of a sensory-interface deviceinteracting with remote flash units for photography, according to someembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective-view illustration of a sensory-interface deviceinteracting with a variety of remote electronic devices, according toother embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system1500 that includes a device protective enclosure 1501 having protectiveproperties for mobile computing device 1590, and which has athrough-hole aperture 1510 having one or more edge surface areas 1502,1503, 1504, and/or 1505 that provide space for one or more of theadditional sensory components, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15B is an end cross-sectional drawing of the device protectiveenclosure 1501 shown in FIG. 15A as seen at section line 15B of FIG.15A.

FIG. 15C is a side cross-sectional drawing of the device protectiveenclosure 1501 shown in FIG. 15A as seen at section line 15C of FIG.15A.

FIG. 15D is a perspective drawing of the front (obverse) side of adevice protective enclosure 1501, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a deviceprotective enclosure 1601 having protective properties for mobilecomputing device (such as device 1590 shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B),and which has one or more sensory components such as those indicated byreference numbers 1602, 1603 and 1604 on the external protective device1601, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is an end cross-sectional drawing of the device protectiveenclosure 1601 shown in FIG. 16A as seen at section line 16B of FIG.16A.

FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system1700 that includes device protective enclosure 1701 and a mobile tabletor other wireless communications and/or computing device 1790 accordingto some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the externalprotective enclosure 1701 contains, in some embodiments contains userparameters that are specified by a user, or user group, wherein the userparameters are stored in one or more onboard components such as thoseindicated by reference numbers 1710, 1712, and 1715, and optionally inone or more external add-on components such as those indicated byreference number 1713.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment wherein the add-on externalhousing 1800 contains a data-input and/or data-output device 1801.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an external clip-on sensor component1900 that contains electronics, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional side view of an external clip-on sensorcomponent 1900 that contains electronics, according to some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an external clip-on sensor component2000 having a roller-type sensor (e.g., a scroll-wheel input device),according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an external clip-on sensor housing 2100wherein the add-on sensor housing 2100 contains an output device 2101and an input device 2102.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a external protection cage (a type ofprotective enclosure) 2201 having open faces on the top, bottom, frontand back sides, that can attach around a mobile device 2290 that has acurved cross-section profile and includes a touch-sensitive curved outersurface 2291.

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of a system 2200 that includes externalprotection cage 2201 having open faces on the top, bottom, front andback sides, that can attach around a mobile device 2290 that has acurved cross-section profile and includes a touch-sensitive curved outersurface 2291.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the data flow 2300 from various mobileelectronics 2301, 2302 and 2303.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailsare within the scope of the invention. Very narrow and specific examplesare used to illustrate particular embodiments; however, the inventiondescribed in the claims is not intended to be limited to only theseexamples, but rather includes the full scope of the attached claims.Accordingly, the following preferred embodiments of the invention areset forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposinglimitations upon the claimed invention. Further, in the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made tothe accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which areshown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventionmay be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may beutilized and structural changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The embodiments shown in the Figures anddescribed here may include features that are not included in allspecific embodiments. A particular embodiment may include only a subsetof all of the features described, or a particular embodiment may includeall of the features described.

The leading digit(s) of reference numbers appearing in the Figuresgenerally corresponds to the Figure number in which that component isfirst introduced, such that the same reference number is used throughoutto refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures.Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference numberor label, and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in thecontext of the description.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of datatransfer between a separate yet attached apparatus to a mobilecommunication device. The apparatus contains proprietary applications tooptimize and navigate data interfaces via software and at least onecontroller to a mobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, an internet-enabled software-development kitenables a method wherein developers (who could also be defined as thefirst, primary user) can program and customize the sensory components onthe apparatus for the benefit of optimizing their individual softwareapplications.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is designed to connect to clip-on orotherwise encompass a mobile electronic device, iPhone®, tablet or asimilar device. The invention device is designed for impact protectionto mitigate damage should the device be dropped from a height that mayotherwise damage the mobile device.

A conventional user interface on a mobile device (such as a smartphoneor tablet computer) is traditionally limited to the user input derivedfrom a touch screen or display. Software application developerstherefore have few choices available for input from users because ofthis limitation, even though applications are becoming more and dynamicand robust and complex. When users use the touch screen of mobiledevices they are interfacing with their device. An additional aspect ofthe user interface problem is the insufficient number of options forcustomizable user interfaces

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interfacedevice that clips or slips onto a personal computing and/orcommunications device such as a smart cell phone (smartphone), tablet,or data assistant (such as a Blackberry® or an Apple® iPad®, iPhone®, orthe like). A personal computing and/or communications device such asthis is generally referred to as a “mobile device” herein. In someembodiments, the present invention includes a partial case or cover forthe mobile device configured such that none of the built-in controls andinputs of the mobile device (touch-screen display, volume control,on/off button, and so on) are covered or otherwise interfered with.There exists a surface area on the back and/or the sides of the presentinvention that is sensitive to touch (or other stimuli such as heat,light, sound, and the like). Some embodiments include a plurality oftouch sensitive surface areas on the back and/or the sides of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive surfaceareas can sense and interpret multiple simultaneous contacts with thetouch surface, that is, the touch surface supports multitouch. Someembodiments include an apparatus and a software-development kit thatenables any developer to take advantage of the available touch-sensitivesurface area(s) on the back and/or sides of the apparatus. Developerscan implement software applications that enable users to interface withthe mobile devices and the software applications in a customizable waynever before available for the developer community.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes the necessaryelectronics to detect a finger or other object touching the touching thetouch-sensitive areas on the sensory-interface device. In someembodiments, these electronics include a microprocessor and themicroprocessor's program and data memory. In some embodiments, thesensory-interface device communicates with applications (software)executing on the attached mobile device, providing the applications onthe mobile device with information about the state of thetouch-sensitive surface(s). Such state information includes, in variousembodiments, the number of regions currently being touched, the locationof the regions being touched, the size of the regions being touched andthe pressure being exerted on the surface by the touching objects. Insome embodiments, the touch-sensitive areas can be dynamicallyconfigured into a set of virtual buttons. The configuration can be doneeither by software running on the mobile device, or by software runningon a microprocessor included in the invention. A “virtual button” is aregion of the touch-sensitive surface that is treated as a single spotor area, that is, a touch (or some other contact) anywhere a virtualbutton's region is interpreted in the same way: as a press of thevirtual button. The information relating to a press of a virtual buttonis used by the sensory-interface device itself (say in software runningin the sensory-interface device's microprocessor), and can also becommunicated to software running in attached mobile device. Such virtualbutton press information includes, but is not limited to, the fact thata virtual button is pressed and released quickly, that a virtual buttonhas just been pressed, that a virtual button has been released, and thepressure with which the virtual button was pressed.

Virtual buttons are dynamically configured by software (say softwarerunning on the attached mobile device), and can be configured in a widevariety layouts, depending on the use and desire of the programmerand/or the user of the sensory-interface device. For example, for usewith a video game running on the mobile device, virtual buttons areconfigured on the touch-sensitive surface to approximate the layout ofbuttons found on a game console (such as a Microsoft Xbox 360®)controller. For another application, virtual buttons on thetouch-sensitive surface are configured as a phone keypad to facilitatephone dialing. For text input, the virtual buttons on thetouch-sensitive surface are configured as a QWERTY (or other text inputlayout) keyboard. Text input could also employ the virtual keysconfigured as stenotype machine keyboard or other chorded keyboard orinput device. (A “chorded” input device allows a user to enter data(which could be text or commands of some sort) by pressing several keyssimultaneously, like playing a chord on a piano.) Other examples includeconfiguring the virtual buttons on the touch-sensitive surface as akeyboard for Braille input (such as the 9-key Perkins keyboard), or forinput of Chinese, Japanese or other ideographic text.

In some embodiments, regions on the touch-sensitive surface areconfigured as virtual sliders or other linear controls. The informationrelating to operation of a virtual slider is used by thesensory-interface device itself (say in software running in thesensory-interface device's microprocessor), and can also be communicatedto software running in attached mobile device. Virtual sliderinformation includes, but is not limited to, whether or not the slideris being touched, and where along the length of the slider (say as apercentage of the length of the virtual slider) the touch is occurring.Examples include a scroll bar (for information being displayed on thefront of the attached mobile device), a virtual volume control, and avirtual zoom control for an attached mobile device's built-in camera.

In some embodiments, regions on the touch-sensitive surface areconfigured as the virtual knobs or other rotary controls. Theinformation relating to operation of a virtual knob is used by thesensory-interface device itself (say in software running in the device'smicroprocessor), and can also be communicated to software running inattached mobile device. Virtual knob information includes, but is notlimited to, whether or not the knob is being touched, how far the userhas rotated the virtual knob, and the rate of rotation. One example forthe use of a virtual knob is a virtual “jog dial”, the control used by aDJ (disk jockey) when playing digitally recorded music to alter the rateand direction of music playback, allowing the DJ to perform techniquessuch as beat matching and scratching when playing digitally recordedmusic. (This is analogous to manipulating a turntable while playing aconventional vinyl record.) The recorded music played could be stored onthe attached mobile device. In some embodiments, the present inventioncould control a remote playback device making use of the attached mobiledevice's wireless communication capabilities (for example, Bluetooth® orWi-Fi®). Another example of a virtual knob is a virtual volume control.

The above examples of virtual controls are narrow and specific used toillustrate particular embodiments; however, the invention described inthe claims is not intended to be limited to only these examples. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variationsand alterations of virtual controls are within the scope of theinvention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the touch-sensitive areaon the back of the sensory-interface device is simply mapped to thetouch screen of the attached mobile device. That is, touches andgestures made on the back of the detachable case or cover (i.e., thepresent invention) have the same result as touches and gestures made onthe front touch screen of the attached mobile device. In someembodiments, partially transparent images are displayed on the attachedmobile device's front display, wherein the image represents thelocations of touches being made on the back touch-sensitive surface.

Some embodiments of the present invention include gesture detection. Asused herein, a gesture is the movement of one or more contacts locationson the touch-sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interfacedevice. Examples of gestures include a single finger tracing a path onthe touch-sensitive surface and two fingers making pinch-in andpinch-out movements (say to zoom an image smaller or larger). In someembodiments, the gesture information is communicated to software runningon the attached mobile device. In some embodiments, the gestureinformation is used by the sensory-interface device itself. In someembodiments, gestures are used by the sensory-interface device forsecurity purposes, as a “password” equivalent to unlock or enable thesensory-interface device or specific functions on the sensory-interfacedevice, or to access data stored on the sensory-interface device itself.In some embodiments, where a sensory-interface device includes multipletouch-sensitive surfaces, a gesture can include touches on more than oneof the touch-sensitive surfaces. For example, a user's grip on asensory-interface device (part of a palm and parts of some fingerstouching the back, and parts of fingers touching sides and edges (whichin this example contain touch-sensitive surfaces) can be considered asingle gesture.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device (case or cover)connects to and exchanges information with the attached mobile devicethough the use of a wireless communication mechanism such as Near-FieldCommunications (NFC) or Bluetooth®. In other embodiments, thesensory-interface device exchanges information with the attached mobiledevice though the use of a physical connection. A physical connectionbetween the invention and an attached mobile device may provideelectrical power. In some embodiments, power is supplied from theattached mobile device to the case or cover. In other embodiments, thecase or cover contains a battery and can supply reserves electricalpower to the attached mobile device.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes non-volatile datastorage integrated on the sensory-interface device. Such storage couldbe implemented with flash memory or other suitable non-volatile storagetechnology. This storage is available to the user. In some embodiments,data stored in the on-board storage is encrypted providing a securefacility for storing sensitive information. In some embodiments, someform of user authentication is required in order to access and decryptthe encrypted data. One form of authentication employed in someembodiments is biometric authentication based on gestures. Toauthenticate oneself, the user draws a pattern on the touch-sensitivesurface. The sensory-interface device captures information about thegesture, measuring parameters such as the specific path of the gesture,including gesture-segment paths and corner locations, the speeds atwhich the various segments of the gesture are made, and the changes inpressure exerted by the finger (or stylus) as the gesture is made. Thecaptured information is compared to reference gesture information storedin the sensory-interface device's secure memory to determine if thejust-entered gesture sufficiently matches the stored gesture parameters.If it does, the user is authenticated and access is granted. Prior tousing biometric authentication, the sensory-interface device is trained.One method of training includes having a user repeatedly trace anunlocking gesture on the touch-sensitive surface while thesensory-interface device analyzes the gestures and develops aparameterized model of the gesture. A plurality of gestures, each for adifferent secure purpose, can be stored and used with a singlesensory-interface device. Entering a particular gesture can cause thesensory-interface device to simply grant access to some stored data. Insome embodiments, entering a particular gesture can cause thesensory-interface device to perform some action.

Data secured in the on-board sensory-interface device encrypted storagecan include personal information, confidential data, and access controlinformation. The following is one example of access control informationstored in a sensory-interface device. A user wishes to access a securefacility, say a drug storage cabinet. Access to such a cabinet is veryrestricted. In order to get access to this drug storage cabinet, anindividual must prove one's identity. Using the present invention, theuser draws the required gesture on the touch-sensitive surface on theback of the sensory-interface device. The sensory-interface deviceanalyzes the entered gesture to see if it matches any gesture stored inthe sensory-interface device's secure storage. If it does, thesensory-interface device performs the action associated with the enteredgesture. In this example, once the user is authorized, a security codeis retrieved from secure storage. In some embodiments, this securitycode is transmitted to the drug storage cabinet's access control systemover a secure radio link from a wireless device that is included in thesensory-interface device itself. Such a wireless link could employ aproprietary highly-secure communication protocol specific to themanufacturer of the drug cabinet's access control mechanism. Thetransmitted security code uniquely identifies the user, and the drugcabinet's access control mechanism can determine if this individualshould be granted access. The result is a highly secure mechanism foraccess control. It requires both the specific sensory-interface devicebelonging to an individual and that individual's biometricallyauthenticated gesture in order to get access to the secured facility.This above mechanism can also be used to control access to information,for example, patient information in a hospital. A user would be requiredto biometrically authenticate himself, using his personalsensory-interface device, before being granted access to patientinformation, either on the attached mobile device or a separate hospitalterminal.

In some embodiments, once a user is biometrically authenticated, data isextracted from the secure on-board storage, decrypted, and sent to anapplication running on the attached mobile device. In some embodiments,this information includes a password or a security code that is thentransmitted by the attached mobile device's wireless capabilities (forexample, Near Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth®, or Wi-Fi) to athird device that requires the now decrypted information to grant accessor, in the case of a digital wallet or an e-wallet, to complete atransaction.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a fingerprintscanner. Biometric authentication optionally includes requiring the userto scan his finger, and verifying the user's finger print with fingerprint information stored in the secure sensory-interface device storage.In some embodiments, the present invention includes a microphone toreceive audio signals. Biometric authentication optionally includesrequiring the user to speak a word or phrase (or make some otherrepeatable sound), analyzing the input audio signal and verifying theparameters of the spoken word or phrase match those stored in the securesensory-interface device storage.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface of the inventionincludes a capacitive touch sensor. In other embodiments, thetouch-sensitive surface of the present invention includes a resistivetouch sensor. In other embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface of thepresent invention includes an infrared grid touch sensor. In otherembodiments, the touch-sensitive surface of the present inventionincludes an acoustic pulse recognition touch sensor. In someembodiments, wherein the sensory-interface device includes a pluralityof touch-sensitive surfaces, individual sensors may employ differenttouch sensing technologies. The above examples of touch sensingtechnologies are used to illustrate particular embodiments; however, theinvention described in the claims is not intended to be limited to onlythese examples. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat many variations touch sensing technologies are within the scope ofthe invention.

As used herein, “senspresence” means detecting the occurrence of acombination of one or more parameters sensed by the present invention,such as a user's grip on the device, finger placement, pressure andmovement, or the like, and automatically taking some action based on thedetected parameter. For example, in some embodiments, thesensory-interface device automatically turns on when a user gripped thedevice in a particular way. As used herein, “sensfeedback” is thesensory feedback provided by the sensory-interface device and includeshaptic feedback (vibrations or changes in surface texture, audiofeedback and visual feedback). The specific feedback provided in anyinstance is based on data compiled by the back-and-side touch-sensitivesurfaces of the present invention in combination with data from thefront face of the attached mobile device and/or applications running onthe attached mobile device.

As used herein, “sencode” is a combination of sensory data points thatprovides for authentication for one user. As used herein, “senscode” (incontrast to “sencode”) is a combination of sensory data points thatprovides for authentication of a group of users.

One embodiment of the present invention includes included in the Sensus™Touch Sensitive Case for smartphones that expands the functionality of asmartphone. It provides application program interfaces to customize theoperation of the touch-sensitive surfaces of the case, and to providehaptic feedback for improved sensory sharing.

This invention enables senspresence, which provides a more meaningfuland emotive user interface experience. In one example, senspresenceenables one user with the attachable sensing apparatus of the presentinvention to provide sensory data remotely with another user who has asimilar attachable sensing apparatus (referred to herein as“telepresence”). In another example, “sensfeedback” enables users toengage in data input and output to each other and additional users in apeer to peer network based upon the sencode and senscode previouslydefined.

In another embodiment, game applications of the present inventionincorporate the sensory input and output from devices of multipleplayers, optimizing the user interface by providing customized gesturingcontrols via programmed user preferences. In some embodiments, thesensory-interface device also enables automatic user authentication viaprogrammable software applications that in some examples connect withthe software running on the microprocessor embedded in asensory-interface. In other examples, the software enables dataauthentication and preferences to be stored in the embedded storage of asensory-interface device.

In some embodiments, the software application interaction of the presentinvention includes an application level of software utilizing coderunning on the attached mobile device. In other embodiments, softwarerunning on the attached mobile device enables the reversing of the frontdisplay of the attached mobile device to the back of the phone (e.g., insome embodiments, the user can thus hold the device such that the normal“front” display touch screen (which usually faces the user) is insteadfacing away from the user, enabling the user to use fingers of bothhands on the display's touch sensor at the same time).

In some embodiments, data and/or software is stored in firmware in theroot directory of the sensory-interface device. In some embodiments,associated sensory-interface device software that runs on the attachedmobile device is stored in the root directory of the attached mobiledevice.

In one embodiment, the sensory-interface device has a protocol thatextends the invention off of the case or the phone, with an agnosticuser interface, application, or operating system.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device uses a communicationsprotocol to extend the sensory-interface device's function beyond thesensory-interface device itself or the attached mobile device. In someembodiments, the present invention provides an agnostic user interfacefor use with a variety of applications and/or operating systems.

In some embodiments, wherein the attached mobile device is wearable,head-mounted display (for example, Google Glass) the present inventionincludes gesture-based input. Touch-sensitive surface(s) are attached toportions of the wearable, head-mounted display (on the temples of theframe, for example), enabling gestures on the touch-sensitive surface(s)to provide input to the display device. In some embodiments, thegestures recognized by the sensory-interface device include a forwardswipe, a backward swipe, various tap sequences (single long tap, singleshort tap, double tap, etc.) and a downward swipe.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device is configured tobroadcast data, and in some examples the data is encrypted with anencryption method that is embedded in to the sensory-interface device.In other embodiments, the encryption method utilizes code running of theattached mobile device combination code running on the sensory-interfacedevice itself.

One embodiment of the present invention includes included in theRestaurant Canopy® which provides touch-sensor-based embodiments ofordering and transaction processing. These embodiments include one ormore of: security and other sensors, user programmable sensors, uniqueIDs, and online digital signature authentication (i.e., verifying asignature is authentic by measuring parameters of the writing of thesignature such as writing speed, writing pressures, etc.).

FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of a hardware- and operating-environment(or system) 100 that is used in some embodiments of the presentinvention. The description of FIG. 1 is a brief, general description ofsuitable computer hardware and software environment with which software(applications and control program) used with the invention may beimplemented. This software may run on the sensory-interface device, oron the attached mobile device. In some embodiments, the inventionincludes described in the general context of computer-executableinstructions, such as program modules, that are stored oncomputer-readable media and that are executed by a computer, such as amicroprocessor residing in a sensory-interface device and/or in anexternal device worn by the user and/or personal computer that is/arewirelessly linked to the sensory-interface device. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, and the like, that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types.

In some embodiments, FIG. 1 is a system 100 that includes a user ordeveloper (not shown, and programmable user-controlled computer 20 thatincludes a wireless transceiver 71 that allows wireless management andcontrol (i.e., reprogramming of the remote microprocessors) of anattached mobile device 110 (which includes a programmablemicrocontroller), and/or a sensory-interface device 111 or a worn device112 (which also includes a programmed microcontroller), both of whichwirelessly communicates with and, in some embodiments, provides powerto, the attached mobile device 110. In some embodiments, applicationprograms 36 stored on a computer-readable optical storage medium 31(e.g., CDROM, DVD, Blu-ray Disc™ (BD), or the like) read and writtenwith an optical storage drive 30 attached to the computer via an opticaldrive interface 34. In some embodiments, application program are storedon a magnetic hard drive 27 attached to the computer via a hard driveinterface 32. Additionally, the magnetic hard drive may store thecomputer operating system 35, other program modules 37 and program data38. In some embodiments, the magnetic storage media is removable (e.g.,a floppy disk) and read by a removable magnetic storage drive 28attached to the computer via a removable magnetic storage driveinterface 33. In some embodiments, application programs are stored onsecond instances of a sensory-interface device 29. In some embodimentsapplication programs are stored on a storage device 50 connected to aremote computer 49 that connects to computer 20 across a local-areanetwork 51 and network interface 53, or a wide-area network 52 and modem54. Application program 36 contain instructions and/or controlstructures (such as look-up tables, control parameters, databases andthe like) that are processed and/or transmitted into the attachedsensory-interface device 111 the sensory-interface device's operation orattached mobile device 110 to control the attached mobile device'soperation. In some embodiments, the applications programs 36 arepartially executed in the computer 20 and/or the externally worn device111, and then partially executed in the attached sensory or mobileattached device 110.

In some embodiments, application programs 36 are stored on acomputer-readable solid state storage devices (e.g., thumb drive, flashdrive, or SDHC™ (Secure-Data High-Capacity) memory card or the like),read and written with a solid state storage reader (not shown).

In some embodiments, the computer 20 includes a processing unit 21 inwhich program run, a video adapter 21 and monitor 47 to provide outputto a user, a mouse 42 and keyboard 40 attached via a serial interface 46to accept input from a user, and system memory 22. The polarity ofcomputer hardware components are interconnected with a system bus 23.System memory 22 includes read only memory (ROM) or flash memory thatcontains the computer's BIOS, random access memory 25 that containsrunning versions of the operating system 35, application programs 36,other program modules 37 and program data 38.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the invention whereindata are wirelessly transferred from a user 210 operating an instance ofa sensory-interface device via the internet 220 (or an intranet) to anyor all of plurality of users, devices and storage media. This pluralityincludes users of other mobile devices 211 and 212 (e.g., smartphones ortablets), other users as groups 213, another user with a second instanceof the present invention 260, network connected storage or databases200. In some embodiments, the user 130 of a sensory-interface device isconnected wirelessly to the internet with a browser 231 and a dashboard232 running on the sensory-interface device. In other embodiments, auser 240 of a sensory-interface device is connected wirelessly to theinternet using a dashboard 241 with a remote client 242 and applicationstorage 243 embedded within the sensory-interface device. In otherembodiments, a user 250 of a sensory-interface device utilizes adashboard 251 in a separate mobile device operating environment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration data flow 300 from a first sensory-interfacedevice to a second sensory-interface device. FIG. 3 also shows datainterchange with other non-sensory-interface devices. Data from a firstsensory-interface device 301 is transferred to the attached mobiledevice 302. In some embodiments, a wireless connection such asBluetooth® or NFC is used. In other embodiments, a physical connectionis used to transfer the data. The data is then transferred wirelesslyfrom the attached mobile device 302 to the internet 307 or to some otherwireless network such as a cell phone system's 4G or LTE network. Thedata is then transferred to a second attached mobile device 304 and thento a second instance of a sensory-interface device 305. Using this path,data can is exchanged between the two sensory-interface devices 301 and305. Similarly, a sensory-interface device can communicate wirelesslywith a mobile device 303 such as a smartphone, and with other wirelessdevices including televisions and game consoles 306.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the flow 400 of sensory data from a firstsensory-interface device to a second sensory-interface device. In someembodiments, sensory data includes touches and gestures detected on thetouch-sensitive surface(s) on the first sensory-interface device. Asdescribed above for FIG. 3, data, in this case sensory data, istransferred from the first sensory-interface device to the attachedmobile device 402, then over a wireless network 405 to a second attachedmobile device, and finally to a second sensory-interface device. In thisexample, the sensory data entered on the first sensory-interface deviceis processed on the second sensory-interface device. Such a facilitywould allow two individuals to interact as if they were sharing a singledevice, and is a desirable feature for functions like gaming andtraining. In some embodiments, sensory data is exchanged in bothdirections between the two sensory-interface devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates the touch-sensitive surface(s) in some embodiments ofthe present invention. The back side touch surface 501 includes a raiseddiamond pattern easily detected by a user's fingers that allows for easylocation of regions of the tactile touch surface. 504 is a detailed viewof a “diamasphere” pattern which provides improved orientation offingers on the touch-sensitive surface. Quadrants can easily be locatedwhile still being able to locate the exact center of the touch-sensitivesurface. In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device includes aright side touch-sensitive surface 502. In this example, the right sidetouch-sensitive surface is divided into four (4) segments. In someembodiments, the sensory-interface device includes a left sidetouch-sensitive surface 503. In this example, the left sidetouch-sensitive surface has a single segment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of some of the features in some embodiments ofthe present invention. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface deviceincludes a USB input 601 for transferring, collecting, or analyzing datashared with another device (e.g., a personal computer or a tabletcomputer). In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes aplurality of slide tracks and grommets 602 which allows thesensory-interface device to be easily attached and removed from anattached mobile device. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface deviceincludes protective rubberized corners 603. In some embodiments, thepresent invention includes a plurality of touch-sensitive surfaces 605,including a touch-sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interfacedevice, a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the sensory-interfacedevice, and a touch-sensitive surface along an edge of thesensory-interface device. A given embodiment may include any or all ofthese sensors as well as additional touch-sensitive surfaces. In someembodiments, the touch-sensitive surface detects both touch andpressure. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device can recognizean individual based on the individual's grip on the phone 604. In someembodiments, a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the case can beused for scrolling with one's thumb 606.

FIG. 7 is an exploded drawing of one embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device in configuredas a case that fits around the back and sides of a mobile device such asa smartphone, and includes a number of components. In some embodiments,these components include a slide portion of the case 701, an internalcase 702 which includes a circuit board 703, an external case 704, and atouch sensitive flex circuit 703. In some embodiments, the touchsensitive flex circuit is located between the internal case 702 and theexternal case 704, and the internal case is fastened to the externalcase. The slide case 701 is attached to the internal case with slidegrommets 705 that allow the slide case to move relative to the internalcase. To attach a sensory-interface device to a mobile device, the slidecase is pulled to an open position shown in 707 from the back and 708from the front. A mobile device is placed into the case and the slidecase is pushed to the closed position shown in 709 from the back and 710from the front, secured attaching the sensory-interface device to themobile device.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of some of the features in some embodiments ofthe present invention. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface deviceincludes a USB input 801 for transferring, collecting, or analyzing datashared with another device (e.g., a personal computer or a tabletcomputer). In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes aslide track 805 which allows the sensory-interface device to be easilyattached and removed from an attached mobile device. In someembodiments, a sensory-interface device includes protective rubberizedend caps 802 and 806. In some embodiments, the sensory-interface deviceincludes a release tab 804 to facilitate the attachment and removal of asensory-interface device from a mobile device. In some embodiments, thepresent invention includes a plurality of touch-sensitive surfaces 803,including a touch-sensitive surface on the back of the sensory-interfacedevice, and a touch-sensitive surface on the side of thesensory-interface device. A given embodiment may include any or all ofthese sensors as well as additional touch-sensitive surfaces. In someembodiments, the touch-sensitive surface detects both touch andpressure. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device can recognizean individual based on the individual's grip on the phone 807. In someembodiments, a touch-sensitive surface on the side of the case can beused for scrolling with one's thumb 808.

FIG. 9 is an exploded drawing of one embodiment of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device in configuredas a case that fits around the back and sides of a mobile device such asa smartphone, and includes a number of components. In some embodiments,these components include a slide portion of the case 901, an internalcase 902 which includes a circuit board 903, an external case 905, and atouch sensitive flex circuit 904. In some embodiments, the touchsensitive flex circuit is located between the internal case 902 and theexternal case 905, and the internal case is fastened to the externalcase. The slide case 901 is attached to the internal case with afastener configured to allow the slide case to move relative to theinternal case. To attach a sensory-interface device to a mobile device,the slide case is pulled to an open position shown in 909 from the backand 908 from the front. A mobile device is placed into the case and theslide case is pushed to the closed position shown in 907 from the backand 906 from the front, secured attaching the sensory-interface deviceto the mobile device.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of some of the features in some embodimentsof the present invention. In some embodiments, a sensory-interfacedevice includes a USB input 1001 for transferring, collecting, oranalyzing data shared with another device (e.g., a personal computer ora tablet computer). In some embodiments, the sensory-interface deviceincludes an opening in the side of the case provides access to theauxiliary connector (e.g., audio jack) of an attached mobile device. Insome embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes spring-loadedinstallation platform 1004 that serves to secure a mobile device in thecase, but which allows the sensory-interface device to be easilyattached and removed from an attached mobile device. In someembodiments, the present invention includes a plurality oftouch-sensitive surfaces 1002, including a touch-sensitive surface onthe back of the sensory-interface device, and a touch-sensitive surfaceon the side of the sensory-interface device. A given embodiment mayinclude any or all of these sensors as well as additionaltouch-sensitive surfaces. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitivesurface detects both touch and pressure. In some embodiments, asensory-interface device can recognize an individual based on theindividual's grip on the phone 1006. In some embodiments, atouch-sensitive surface on the side of the case can be used forscrolling with one's thumb 1007. 1005 is a back view of asensory-interface device attached to a mobile device.

FIG. 11 is a more detailed view of individual components and theinstallation procedure of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. 1102 is a topview of a spring-loaded, press-fit sensory-interface device which uses aspring-loaded platform to secure a mobile device into the device, and1102 is a cross sectional view through along line AA. In someembodiments, the sensory-interface device includes a press fit insert1104 and a base cavity cover 1104 that surround the back much of thesides of a mobile device 1103 that can be inserted into thesensory-interface device, a USB connector 106 and connector bracket1107, a spring-loaded platform 1108 that supplies pressure on aninserted mobile device to securely hold it in place, an auxiliary jackinsert 109 to permit a connection to the mobile device's auxiliary(audio) jack, a printed-circuit board (PCB) containing the electroniccomponents of the sensory-interface device, a touch-sensitive flexcircuit 115, and an external case 1111. In some embodiments, thefunctional elements provided by the electronic components on the PCBinclude a microprocessor, program and data storage for software runningon the microprocessor, touch-sensitive surface control electronics,secure storage for storing encrypted data, and dataencryption/decryption logic. Not all embodiments include all of thesefunctional elements; some embodiments may include additional functionalelements. In some embodiments, a mobile device is installed into asensory-interface device as follows: a mobile device is placed in asensory-interface device at an angle 1121 such that it aligns with thespring-loaded platform; the mobile device is pushed toward the bottomand back of the sensory-interface device 1113 until the mobile device iswithin the sensory-interface device and is securely held in place 1114.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a sensory-interface device in someembodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, thesensory-interface device is a touch-sensitive surface attached to theback of a mobile device with an adhesive. In some embodiments, theadhesively attached sensory-interface device communicates with themobile device using a wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth® or NFC). Inother embodiments, the adhesively attached sensory-interface devicecommunicates with the mobile device using connection (e.g., USB or theproprietary iPhone connector). In some embodiments, software to enablethe touch-sensitive surface of the sensory-interface device isdownloaded, resides and runs on the mobile device. In other embodiments,the touch-sensitive surface of the sensory-interface device includes amicroprocessor and storage that contain and run the software to enablethe touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the sensory-interfacedevice is pre-programmed, and a connector plug (e.g., the USB connectorused to connect the sensory-interface device to the mobile device)includes a microprocessor and storage that contain and run the softwareto enable the touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, thetouch-sensitive surface is a micro-thin, capacitive-touch, touch and/orpressure sensitive device.

FIG. 13 is an illustration that represents the functionality of asensory-interface device in some embodiments. In some embodiments, thesensory-interface device includes a laser (e.g., a visible light orinfrared LED laser) and a light-sensing device (e.g., a; photodiode or aphoto transistor) 1301. In some embodiments, the laser/light sensorcombination is used to interact with external electronic devices. Oneexample of such interaction is the use remote flash lighting units 1302for photography with an attached mobile device's camera. Taking apicture with attached mobile device's camera causes a light signal 1303to be emitted from the laser that triggers the remote flash units. Thelight sensor detects the mount of light coming from the remote flashunits and turns them off when the desired amount of light has beenemitted from the remote flash units. Software running on the mobiledevice can analyze the captured image and determine if a differentamount of light should be emitted by the remote flash units for asubsequent image. In some embodiments, the laser/light sensorcombination is used as a range-finder to measure distance by emitting alight pulse from the laser, allowing it to reflect (i.e., bounce) off ofa surface, detecting the return of the reflect light pulse, measuringthe time it took for the light pulse to travel from thesensory-interface device to the surface and back, thereby determiningthe distance to the surface. In some embodiments, such a distancemeasuring capability is combined with an application running on theattached mobile device that would allow a contractor, for example, tomeasure the dimensions of a room, and based on cost information input bythe contractor, automatically generate a bid and wirelessly sent it to aclient.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device includes biomedicalsensors that detect functions of a human body such as pulse rate,respiration rate, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). In other embodiments,the sensory-interface device includes a sensor to measure blood sugarlevels for a blood-sugar diabetic test. In other embodiments, thesensory-interface device elicits and receives information from a remotedrone, including sending flight control information to the drone andreceiving images and/or other telemetry from the drone. This functioncould include military uses.

FIG. 14 is an illustration that represents the functionality of asensory-interface device in some embodiments. A sensory-interface devicecan interact with a wide variety of other electronic devices 1403,sending data to and receiving data from such devices 1405. In someembodiments, such devices include a remote flash for photography 1401, avehicle 1404, and a robotic device 1406. In some embodiments, thecommunications with external devices is done using a wirelessradio-frequency communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth®, NFC, orWi-Fi). In other embodiments, the communications with external devicesis done using a wireless light-based communication protocol employing alaser and light sensor 1402 (described above as 1301 in FIG. 13).

In the present description of present invention, the term “sensors”includes sensors that include electronics and that output electronicsignals that represent one or more parameters sensed by the sensor, aswell as sensors that do not themselves include electronics, and thatoutput optical signals or the like. As used herein, “sensors” aredevices that detect and/or interpret parameters that are caused orcontrolled by a human user, as well as parameters of the environment,such as pressure (e.g., the touch or pressure from one or more fingerson a touch screen), acceleration (such as from gravity, tilting of thedevice, or shaking of the device), light (such as brightness, color,time-of-flight of a laser pulse), chemical detection and concentrationdetermination (such as sensors for smoke, carbon monoxide, chemicalsthat could be smelled, chemicals that are odorless, chemicals that couldbe tasted, and/or chemicals that are tasteless, whether in gas or liquidform, or the like), acoustic parameters (including sounds in the rangeof human hearing as well as pressure vibrations below or above thatrange, including ultrasound sensors that are used, e.g., to detect atime-of-flight of a sound pulse for the purpose of determining adistance or making an ultrasound image), taste, temperature, pressure,moisture and/or other physical properties of the environment as a whole.

FIG. 15A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system1500 that includes a device protective enclosure 1501 that surrounds atleast some of the outer edges and/or front and back of mobile computingdevice 1590, and which has a through-hole aperture 1510 in a back-sidetouch-sensitive input surface 1509 of protective enclosure 1501 toprovide access to back-side touch panel 1591 on mobile computing device1590. In some embodiments, aperture 1510 is surrounded by one or moreedge surface areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 that provide space forone or more additional sensory components for receiving user input,and/or input and/or output devices that enhance the functionality ofmobile computing device 1590. In some embodiments, a resilient materialis affixed to the corners of protective enclosure 1501 to form bumpers1506 (sometimes referred to herein as “crashbumpers”) that protectmobile computing device 1590, for example if system 1500 is dropped ontoa hard surface. In some embodiments, protective enclosure 1501 includesone or more apertures 1508 to provide outside access for components,such as camera and flash 1592, of the mobile computing device 1590.

In some embodiments, back surface 1509 of the protective enclosure 1501extends from the outer circumference of protective enclosure 1501 to theouter edges of one or more additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504,and/or 1505. In some embodiments, protective enclosure 1501 includes oneor more sensory component, such as a touch-sensitive sensor, in or onback surface 1509 (in some embodiments, the touch-sensitive sensor inback surface 1509 functions as an additional touch sensor for mobilecomputing device 1590. In some embodiments, protective enclosure 1501includes one or more sensory component, such as a touch-sensitivesensor, in or on side surfaces 1519 and/or end surfaces 1529 that alsoor alternatively function as additional touch sensors for mobilecomputing device 1590 (for example, such side-surface sensors 1519function as programmable volume controls for audio output, ascamera-activation inputs to activate the electronic “shutter” to take aphotograph or start a video recording, or the like). In someembodiments, the additional aperture-edge sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504,and 1505 provide further touch-sensitive “real estate” available to theenhanced user interface of the present invention (e.g., in someembodiments, additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and 1505 provideadditional surface opportunities to receive user input data). In someembodiments, additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and 1505 arebeveled inner edges of a through opening 1510. In some embodiments, themobile computing device 1590 includes a touch-sensitive user-inputsurface built into the back-side surface of mobile computing device1590, that, for example, permits the user to control items such ascursors, game pieces or figures, or other things displayed on thefront-side display screen of mobile computing device 1590. Thus, in someembodiments, the aperture of through opening 1510 provides touch-accessfor the human user to the rear surface of mobile computing device 1590.In some embodiments, the one or more additional sensor areas 1502, 1503,1504, and/or 1505 each includes a touch-sensitive area within abeveled-surface space that occupies an area between the back surface ofmobile computing device 1590, and the back outer surface 1509 of theexternal protective device 1501. In some embodiments, one or more of theadditional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 providesadditional surface area to accommodate other types of sensory inputs orother kinds of input and/or output components, such as light emitters(e.g., LEDs that can be strobed), vibration devices that provide atouch-feedback to a user, light emitter-detector combinations that areused to determine oxygen content in the user's blood by directing lightoutput towards the user's fingers and detecting amounts and wavelengthsof the returned light, or any other suitable input and/or outputcomponent.

Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of the additional aperture-edgesensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505 are implemented to includetouch sensors or other input and/or output devices for user interactionwith mobile computing device 1590.

In some embodiments, external sensory inputs (i.e., sensors) on aprotective housing are located between the back of the housing 1509, andthe back surface of the mobile device 1510. In some embodiments,user-programmable inputs sensors are implemented in sensor areas 1502,1503, 1504 and/or 1505, and are programmed by the user of the mobiledevice 1510, or a remote user using a separate device 2302 (see thedescription of FIG. 23 below). In some embodiments the user provides thegesture-control programming that enables the sensors to control thesoftware application that is executing on the mobile device 1590according to user preferences.

FIG. 15B is an end cross-sectional drawing of the protective enclosure1501 shown in FIG. 15A as seen at section line 15B of FIG. 15A. Thecross section of mobile computing device 1590 is not shown here, inorder to more clearly show pocket 1511 that is configured to receive andsecurely retain mobile computing device 1590 and provide a level ofprotection against scuffs to the surface or damage from dropping system1500 (which includes both mobile computing device 1590 and protectiveenclosure 1501 as shown in FIG. 15A). In some embodiments, protectiveenclosure 1501 includes a replaceable thin protective film 1515stretched across aperture 1510 and adhesively attached to the inner backsurface 1516 of the protective enclosure 1501. Replaceable thinprotective film 1515 is configured to not impair the sensingfunctionality of the back touch-surface of mobile computing device 1590.Other embodiments omit this film 1515.

FIG. 15C is a side cross-sectional drawing of the device protectiveenclosure 1501 shown in FIG. 15A as seen at section line 15C of FIG.15A.

FIG. 15D is a perspective drawing of the front (obverse) side of adevice protective enclosure 1501, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16A is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a deviceprotective enclosure 1601 having protective properties for mobilecomputing device (such as device 1590 shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B),and which has one or more sensory components such as those indicated byreference numbers 1602, 1603, 1604 and 1605 on the external protectivedevice 1601, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Insome embodiments, one or more of the sensory components 1602, 1603, 1604and 1605 includes a physical “hyperroller” that has an elongated rod.optionally having tiny ridges, bumps or other surface texture, and heldby low-friction bearings at the ends, and which the user rolls aroundits longitudinal axis by finger wiping action. In some embodiments eachphysical hyperroller includes a thin roller having a length of five (5)to twenty (20) cm and a diameter of 0.7 to 2 mm, is held by sleeve orroller bearings such that it can be rolled by a user rubbing or wipingtheir finger(s) over it. In some other embodiments, a substantiallysimilar user interface is implemented as a virtual hyperroller, definedas a touch-sensitive surface area configured to detect finger movementacross its short dimension (i.e., with the user's finger wiping orrubbing in a direction perpendicular to the long axis) in a motion thatmimics a physical roller by detecting the user rubbing or wiping theirfinger(s) over its short dimension to, e.g., rapidly scroll through avirtual document from one side to another.

FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional end view (not to the same scaleas FIG. 16A) of the device protective enclosure 1601 shown in FIG. 16A,as seen at section line 16B of FIG. 16A. As shown, some embodiments ofprotective enclosure 1601 include embedded devices 1621 that includeelectronics, sensor devices, battery electrical storage, radio antennae,and/or other like devices that implement the enhanced functionality ofprotective enclosure 1601. In some embodiments, protective enclosure1601 includes electrical contacts that are used to connect power and/orelectrical signals to optional and-in devices as described furtherbelow.

FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the back (reverse) side of a system1700 that includes a device protective enclosure 1701 that holds amobile computing device such as a tablet computer 1790, optionallyhaving one or more local and/or long-distance wireless communicationscapabilities (such as an Apple® iPad®, with wifi, Bluetooth®, and/ortelephony communications). In some embodiments, external protectiveenclosure 1701 contains user parameters that are specified by a user oruser group, wherein the user parameters are stored in one or moreonboard components such as those indicated by reference numbers 1710(e.g., a microprocessor), 1712 (e.g., a battery), and 1715 (e.g., anantenna), and optionally one or more external add-on and/or plug-incomponents 1713. Having plug-in optional components 1713 allows a commonplatform 1701 to be customized with specialized functions that willdiffer from user to user depending on their personal requirements ordesires. Some embodiments (not shown here) include resilient bumpers1506 such as shown in FIGS. 15A-15D. In some embodiments, one or moreadditional sensor areas 1702, 1703, 1704, and/or 1705 are used foradditional sensor inputs and/or output functions, in a manner similar tothe one or more additional sensor areas 1502, 1503, 1504, and/or 1505described for FIG. 15A above.

In some embodiments, protective housing 1701 for a mobile device,designed for access to sensors embedded in the mobile device, thatincludes sensor input components on an external housing; wherein theback 1791 of the mobile device 1790 is accessible by the user (e.g., toaccomplish gesture control input to touch surface 1791. In someembodiments, the protective housing contains a power source 1702 that isseparate from the power source (not shown) of the mobile device 1790(i.e., the device that is protected by the protective housing). In someembodiments, the protective housing 1701 includes a separate dataprocessor 1705 located in the protective housing 1701, separate from theprocessor(s) in the mobile device 1790. In some embodiments, theprotective housing 1701 includes separate data storage 1710 located inthe protective housing 1701, separate from data storage within themobile device 1790. In some embodiments, the protective housing 1701includes a software program stored in data storage device 1710 thatincludes software routines to tune and/or optimize the sensory-componentdata received from the sensory components (e.g., back-surface touchsensor 1709 and/or sensors in aperture edge areas 1702, 1703, 1704,and/or 1705. In some embodiments, the protective housing 1701 includes asoftware program used to tune and/or optimize sensory component datasent to or received from the sensory components. In some embodiments,the protective housing 1701 contains a software program to tune thesensory component data, optimizing the data elicited from the sensorycomponents from users. In some embodiments, the protective housing 1701contains a software program to elicit, store, and provide and readyaccess to, user-defined content.

In some embodiments, the user parameters control the definition andrules of the input and output data from the sensory components. In someembodiments, an add-on sensor housing 1713 includes one or moreprogrammable external sensor components (such as blood-oxygen sensors,temperature sensors, GPS devices, or any other specialized orprogrammable general purpose input and/or output (I/O) device. In someembodiments this add-on sensor housing 1713 clips on to the externalprotective enclosure 1701. In some embodiments this add-on sensorhousing 1713 is of a standard shape that is interchangeable with othersimilar add-on sensor housings having different functionality, or with a“dummy” spacer that fills the compartment when none of theinterchangeable external sensor housings are connected. In someembodiments, an integrated controller is embedded into the housing ofthe protective enclosure.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment wherein the add-on externalhousing 1800 contains a data-input and/or data-output device 1801. Insome embodiments this is a laser measuring device that outputs a laserbeam 1802 and detects a return beam (e.g., such as are used inblood-oxygen measurement devices or laser range finders). In otherembodiments, I/O device includes an ultrasound transmitter/receiver thatemits an ultrasonic pulse and detects an ultrasound response foracoustic range finding. In still other embodiments, other types ofcombined I/O devices are implemented.

In some embodiments, the swappable clip-on sensors 1801 include devicesthat elicit and receive data (e.g., such as a speaker and microphone).In some embodiments the clip-on sensors 1900 (described below withregard to FIG. 19) include devices that communicate with distalcommunication devices and receive and transmit data using antenna 1902or other suitable wireless communications interface (e.g., radio waves,infrared light, ultrasonic sound or the like; in some embodiments,bi-directionally, while in other embodiments, uni-directionallytransmitting or receiving)). In some embodiments the separate clip-onsensors 2100 (described below with regard to FIG. 21) include devicesthat elicit, receive and transmit data and contain a separate powersource 2104 (such as a battery or the like). In some embodiments theexternal clip-on sensors 2000 (described below with regard to FIG. 20)include devices that have interchangeable components 2001, 2002, and2003. In some embodiments the clip-on sensors 2100 (described below withregard to FIG. 21) include devices that collect data from sensors thatcollect a multivariate sensory stack of data.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view and FIG. 19B is a cross-sectionalillustration of external clip-on sensor component 1900, wherein theexternal clip-on sensor component contains electronics. In someembodiments 1901, an antenna 1902 is included. In some embodiments thereare conductive contactors 1903 that provide an electrical path forsignals and/or power between the clip-on component 1900 and theprotective enclosure device (e.g., enclosure 1701 of FIG. 17 or thelike) that provides for a data communications and/or a power gateway. Insome embodiments there are other components including a battery 1904.

FIG. 20 is an embodiment 2000 of an external clip-on accessory with aroller-type sensor (e.g., a scroll-wheel input device), according tosome embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the scrollwheel portion of sensory component 2001 is interchangeable withdifferent sizes of scroll wheels such as scroll wheel 2002 and scrollwheel 2003.

FIG. 21 is an embodiment wherein the add-on sensor housing 2100 containsan output device 2101 and an input device 2102. In some embodiments,output device 2101 includes a speaker, and input device 2102 includes amicrophone. In some embodiments, device 2101 includes both output andinput functionality, such as a selectively vibrating joystick controllerthat receives motion or pressure input from the user who pushes or tiltsthe joystick, and a sensory output such as a vibrator that isselectively turned on or off to provide a touch stimulator (touchfeedback to the user as the joystick is moved or as some action takesplace in a video game being executed) in the portable computing device.In some embodiments, output device 2101 includes a light flash and inputdevice 2102 includes a light sensor. In some embodiments, an auxiliaryinput or output device 2103 is provided. In some such embodiments,output device 2101 can be interchanged with a different type of flash2103. In other such embodiments, sensor 2102 can be interchanged with aseparate, optimized sensor 2103. In one embodiment, 2102 is a moisturesensor. In another embodiment, 2102 detects airborne pathogens. In oneembodiment, 2103 is a blood-test measuring device that measures variousproperties of blood cells and other blood components. In someembodiments, an integrated controller 2104 is included.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of an external protective cage (a type ofprotective enclosure) 2201 having open faces on the top, bottom, frontand back sides. In some embodiments, protective cage 2201 includes afirst-end (e.g., top) frame member 2202 (in some embodiments, arod-shaped member having an oval toroid shape) that holds a firstplurality of resilient inner bumpers 2205 configured to grip and cushionone end of a mobile computing device 2290 (such as described in U.S.Patent Publication 20130076612 titled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH WRAPAROUND DISPLAY” by Scott Myers, published Mar. 28, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference; see FIG. 22B), a second-end (e.g.,bottom) frame member 2202 that holds a second plurality of resilientinner bumpers 2205 configured to grip and cushion the opposite end of amobile computing device 2290, a plurality of rod-shaped side framemembers 2203 that are each affixed to and extend from first-end framemember 2202 to second-end frame member 2204, and an electronics housing2206 (e.g., in some embodiments, attached across the bottom ofsecond-end frame member 2204. In some embodiments, one or more of therod-like frame members 2202, 2203 and/or 2204 include a touch-sensitivesensor surface configured to receive gesture commands (e.g., taps,wipes, presses, multi-touch contacts, and the like) from a human user.In some embodiments, one or more of the side rod-like frame members 2203operate as “hyperrollers” that sense circumferential wiping motions ofthe users fingers in a circumferential direction around the longitudinalaxis, as well as longitudinal wiping motions along the length of amember 2203. (In some embodiments, the circumferential wiping motionscause the objects displayed on the screen(s) of device 2290 to bescrolled in left-or-right directions, while longitudinal wiping motionscause the objects displayed on the screen(s) of device 2290 to bescrolled in up-or-down directions. In some embodiments, similar wipingmotions are sensed on one or more of frame members 2202 and/or 2204, andare used as user input to control the operations of device 2290. In someembodiments, one or more of members 2203 are physically rotatable aroundits longitudinal axis, and such rotation is used as human-user input tocontrol an operation (such as screen scrolling) of device 2290. In someother embodiments, one or more of members 2203 is touch sensitive inorder to be virtually rotatable around its longitudinal axis (i.e.,wiping motion is detected and interpreted as rolling of the sensor bythe humans finger), and such rotation is used as human-user input tocontrol an operation (such as screen scrolling) of device 2290.

FIG. 22B is an illustration of a mobile device system 2200 includes amobile device 2290 (such as those described in that has a curved surfaceand contains a touch-sensitive surface 2291 on at least one side (insome embodiments, the device 2290 has touch-sensitive surface 2291 onboth the front and back; in some embodiments, the device 2290 has avisual display on both the front and back). In one embodiment anexternal protection cage 2201 provides structural protection andcase-like properties to offer protection from elements as well as frompotentially damaging impact, for example, if the device is dropped bythe human user. In one embodiment, part of the cage structure (e.g., atleast one of the frame members 2202, 2203 and/or 2204) acts as ahyperroller.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the data flow 2300 from various mobileelectronics 2301, 2302 and 2303. The wired or wireless connectivity 2352connects external sensory devices 2330 and 2331 to their respectiveprotective enclosure devices 2360, 2361 and 2362. The system in someembodiments uses a database 2350, an internet or intranet 2351, and adesk-top server 2310. External clip-on sensors 2330 and 2331 containvarious components to enable wireless connectivity 2341 with processors2358 and batteries 2357 incorporated with external sensory devices 2340.External sensory devices can be enhanced with sensory-control components2353, which in some embodiments is a hyperroller. In some embodiments,sensors are located on a steering wheel in a car 2363 and in thedashboard or arm-rest of a vehicle 2364. In another embodiment, thesensors are dynamically connected to other devices. In one embodiment,the sensors are user controlled wherein the user can determine thesensory-input-device parameters and can optimize and tune the resultingdata input and the data output from the sensors.

Several embodiments of the invention are herein described to provideillustrations of implementing the invention and realizing the results ofthe unique characteristics of the invention. The invention is notlimited to the embodiments illustratively described here.

In one embodiment, the sensors are programmed via a softwareapplication. In another embodiment, the optimizing of the data generatedfrom the sensors helps authenticate a protocol or a user. In oneembodiment the device and method authenticates an adult user separatefrom a child user.

In one embodiment the sensors (e.g., 2203 shown in FIG. 22, 1502 shownin FIGS. 15, and 1603 shown in FIG. 16) are programmed by a user to helpinterface with a software application. In one embodiment the sensors areprogrammed to have multivariate gesture controls to navigate thesoftware on the mobile device.

In the present invention, mobile computing devices are understood toinclude, but not be limited to, mobile telephones, personal dataassistants, devices such as iPads® and iPods®, music players, and thelike.

In some embodiments the present invention provides a protective housingfor a mobile device, designed for access to sensors embedded in themobile device, which includes sensor input components on an externalhousing; wherein the back of a mobile device is accessible. In some suchembodiments the protective housing has external sensory inputs on aprotective housing located between the back of the housing, and the backsurface of the mobile device. In some such embodiments the protectivehousing has user-programmable input sensors that are programmed by theuser of the mobile device, or by a remote user using a separate device.In some such embodiments the user can provide the gesture controlprogramming enabling the sensors to control the software application onthe mobile device according to user preferences.

In some embodiments the present invention provides a protective housingfor a mobile device, designed for access to external sensors embedded ina protective housing of a mobile device, including sensors that areconnect to the housing, wherein the sensors are controlled by users whoprovide a plurality of human-user-defined sensory parameters and data.In some embodiments remote users can provide sensory data from remotelocations to separate users utilizing separate mobile devices. In someembodiments user data and preferences are stored within the protectivehousing. In some embodiments user data is stored on remote servers.

In some embodiments the present invention provides a protective housingfor a mobile device, where the protective housing contains ridged barsthat contain the mobile device. In some such embodiments the bars aremovable and interchangeable to fit various mobile-device sizes andshapes. In some embodiments the protective housing contains crashbumpprotective pieces. In some embodiments the crashbump protection ispressurized. In some embodiments the crashbumpers are programmable. Insome embodiments the crashbumpers are programmed to deploy a protectivemethod to protect the mobile device upon impact. In some embodiments thecrashbumpers are located on the exterior of a mobile device without aprotective housing.

In some embodiments, there are a number of parameters that are processedon board the sensory-interface device included in this invention andother embodiments wherein the processing is supported by the processorof the attached mobile electronic. Some parameters of the inventioninclude: Gesture customization, basic sensor configuration, sensitivitycontrols, processing of data, noise filtering, detection of sensoryinformation, processing how certain filters are applied and adjusted,features turned on or turned off, gestures in generic sense in taps inswipes, or high level description of what the hand is doing including anability to adjust the filter parameters to include sensitivity and dataquality measures.

In some embodiments, the customizable adjustment of intentional andunintentional gestures or touch, which also includes right handed gripversus left identified and controlled by the developer, right handedgrip versus left identified and controlled automatically by the system,right handed grip versus left handed grip identified and controlled bythe user, back channel adaptive controls, intuitive learning modewherein the gestures from a remote device, for example a TV, cancommunicate volume and channel gestures as defined by the user.

Some embodiments of the present invention include a grip recognitioncode wherein the sensor can authenticate the user.

In other embodiments, wherein a first sensory-interface device canadaptively send data to one or more other sensory-interface devices.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device has internal memoryembedded in the system which is separate from the connected mobiledevice. The securely encrypted data is stored within the sensory case,wherein the sync code is stored in the external data storage.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory case thatincludes other external sensory devices such as has externalmicrophones. In some embodiments, automatic video-audio synchronizationsoftware is embedded in the data storage of the sensory-interface deviceand runs on a microprocessor also embedded in the sensory-interfacedevice.

In another embodiment, a user with a first sensory-interface device canremotely connect to another user with a second sensory-interface deviceand can access the internal memory of the second sensory-interfacedevice for authentication purposes.

In one embodiment, the authentication provides for encrypted paymentprocessing of funds.

In another embodiment, the internal memory embedded in thesensory-interface device contains medical records that are accessible toemergency response personnel who can remotely access the data prior toan emergency event.

A unique and novel feature of this invention is the attribute ofhardware and software combining to create an environment which a usercan customize. A user contributes to the “uEffect” score and parameterweightings. By clicking on Game #1 the user can access the content ofthe blog, view the parameters within the system and can suggest a newparameter to evaluate Game.

Customization based on personal preferences is supported, includingadapting controls, context dependent controls on both thesensory-interface device and the attached mobile device. In oneembodiment the context is based the particular remote device asensory-interface device is interacting with, for example a TV. Thesensory-interface device enables multiple user authentication methodsfor various devices. A sensory-interface device can provide a sencodefor a user's Apple computer at home based upon the sensory inputs fromthe sensory-interface device. When that same user goes to work, anothersencode may be enabled which allows the user to log in to a network inthe work environment.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device includes TV remotecontrol functions that are enabled by the sensory inputs on thesensory-interface device. For example, volume controls for all devicescan be programmed in to be a specific gesture, for example, for a lefthanded person, to be a thumb swipe up or down on the left side of thesensory-interface device. This gesture input can be configured to changethe volume from the TV or other devices up or down.

It is clearly obvious that distractions to the visual and other sensorydata, in one example sounds, are poorly tolerated by users. For example,in an auditorium with a very large screen and a room full of people, ifwhat is displayed on the large screen is obstructed by people standingup in the front rows, the people in the back rows will have anobstructed view and will therefore not be limited in their interfacewith the presentation or the presenter. This situation is poorlytolerated. The inventor of this novel method and devices therefore takesa similar with an understanding that the traditional method ofinterfacing and providing data, and receiving data from mobileapplications on a traditional screen is limited because often timesfingers, thumbs or other input devices such as a digital pen. Thisinvention provides for a method and devices that enable the users tointerface with the content and other software applications as opposed tojust interfacing with a mobile phone, tablet or other mobile electronic.

In some embodiments, the sensory-interface device is a protective caseto mitigate the risk of damage to an attached mobile device should thedevice be dropped or be subject to other external forces. The inventionprovides for enhanced design characteristics to protect the mobiledevice and the components installed on the sensory-interface device.

In one embodiment, a touch sensitive protective case can be programmedto be an interactive TV remote: wherein the sensory-interface devicecase becomes a dynamic remote control. Another embodiment is a touchsensor housing, wherein the case can be customized to input Brailleinputs based upon a user's preferences such as being right or lefthanded, or a Chinese keyboard wherein a finger or a thumb can activate aseparate window that allows selection of various characters of Chineselanguage.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes a detachable,sensory device and serves as a protective housing for a mobile devicethat has one or more sensory components (one example being a capacitivetouch (multitouch) sensor) embedded in it. The sensors are controlled byintegrated circuits (ICs) in the housing, which are powered by a directconnection to the mobile device. Data created by the sensors isprocessed by the ICs and then transmitted to the mobile device. In someembodiments, the attached mobile device uses the processed multitouchsensor data to control the attached mobile device's Operating System andApplication user interfaces. In other embodiments, the processing of thedata created by the sensors is processed by processors located andembedded within the sensory-interface device itself.

In other embodiments, in addition to capacitive touch sensors, theprotective housing may include additional and/or alternative sensortypes including a force sensing resistive touch (pressure) sensor,gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer, accelerometer, thermometer, GPS,fingerprint scanner, RFID reader, or Near Field Communication (NFC)reader.

In some embodiments, communication of the sensor data to the attachedmobile device is not limited to a wired connection and also includes awireless connection such as Bluetooth® or WiFi.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes a battery topower the sensors instead of drawing power from the attached mobiledevice.

In some embodiments, a wireless communication option exists whereininstead of sending the processed sensor data to a specific mobiledevice, the data is instead broadcast (with no specific endpoint) andany mobile device can receive the data and use it.

In some embodiments, in addition to sending generic data (touches andgestures or basic sensor values), the processing of the raw sensor datatakes into account the “context” of the attached mobile device. Forinstance, the attached mobile device indicates to the sensory-interfacedevice that headphones are plugged in and that a panning gesture up anddown on the multitouch sensors should send a “Volume Up/Down” command tothe mobile device instead of just a generic “Panning Gesture”indication.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device is implemented a“sticker”, where the touch-sensitive surface, ICs and a battery arebuilt into a flexible membrane that has a non-permanent, non-destructiveadhesive on one side such that the sensory-interface device can beattached to any mobile device.

In one embodiment, the sensory-interface device is programmed forcontextual processing. In other embodiments, sensory-interface deviceincludes ability for the code running on the sensory-interface device todeliver specific commands based upon a configurable context set by theattached mobile device. An example of a command is “Volume Up” or“Brightness Up” or “Call Mom”. An example of a context is “In Car” or“Headphones On” or Watching a Movie”. In some embodiments, contexts aremanually set through user interaction on the attached mobile device. Inother embodiments, contexts are automatically set based upon sensor data(the sensors could be on the attached mobile device or sensory-interfacedevice itself). Context identification also is programmed in someembodiments to automatically change as configured or programmed by thesensory-interface device itself. For example, a GPS unit included with asensory-interface device identifies the sensory-interface device is “Inthe House” so enabling that context.

In some embodiments of the present invention grip recognition isemployed. The housing of the sensory-interface device includes forcesensing resistive sensors that extend to the sides of thesensory-interface device, and the edges or bevels, to enable griprecognition. The distance and pattern of pressure points from a handgripping the sensory-interface device are biometric readings that areused to identify specific individuals. In other embodiments, sensorcomponents built into the apparatus gather additional biometric readingsincluding temperature, finger print patterns and color. In otherembodiments, the additional sensors are attached to or embedded withinthe sensory-interface device, while in other embodiments externalsensors are wireless connected to the sensory-interface device. Othersensory components include card readers to identify and gather digitalcontent.

In some embodiments, when processing touch pressure data, a level ofcertainty is generated based upon the amount of variation between anestablished grip (whose parameters are stored within thesensory-interface device) and the detected grip.

In some embodiments, grip recognition is used to provide a context forthe above “Contextual Processing”, attached mobile device unlocking(based on biometric readings), or other adaptive user interfaceparadigms based on user identification.

In some embodiments, compressed air in conjunction with an inflatableairbag, or multiple airbags, is designed to be employed when risk ofimpact presents itself. In one example, a sensor embedded in thesensory-interface device detects a falling motion and potential impactbeyond a safe threshold, and engages safety mechanisms (i.e., uses thecompress air to inflate the air bag(s)).

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device provides a method forusers to interface with software applications and/or other users ofother instance of sensory-interface devices in an interconnectedenvironment wherein there is a link where data can be exchanged. In oneexample, the sensory-interface device contains touch sensitive inputsand other sensory components such as microphones, an internal controllerand separate data storage independent of an attached mobile device.

In some embodiments, a first sensory-interface device, in conjunctionwith an attached mobile device with a camera, provides a method ofcombining multiple data inputs simultaneously from several remotedevices. In some embodiments, a first sensory-interface device andattached mobile device act as a primary camera with other satellitesensory-interface devices and their attached mobile devices acting asother camera points. In some embodiments, the satellitesensory-interface devices and attached mobile devices share a singlepoint of audio, wherein the audio is automatically synchronized with thevideo data. In one example, the application with the algorithm tosynchronize the audio and video data resides in the data storage withinthe primary sensory-interface device that is connected to a mobileiPhone.

In another embodiment, a sensory-interface device provides locationmarking and orientation for remote data collection systems. For examplea camera system attached to a gimble, or a gyro set up in a separateremote location such as a helicopter is sent data collected from amobile device or data collected via a sensory-interface device's sensorycomponents.

In some embodiments, satellite sensory-interface devices collect audio.Software, that runs on either an attached mobile device or internally onan embedded controller in the sensory-interface device, calculates thelatency in the audio signal (due to distance), combines and synchronizesthe audio data with the video data, stores the combined data, andtransmits the combines audio/video data. In some embodiments, thetransmitted data is made available to anyone with access to the system(wireless, Bluetooth®, near field communications or internet). In otherembodiments, only users who have a sensory-interface device have accessto the data. In other embodiments, access to the combined audio/videodata is based upon pre-determined digital access rules.

In some embodiments, the external sensors on the sensory-interfacedevice detect the presence and identity of one specific individual. Oneexample of biometric identification is using a finger print obtainedfrom a touch sensitive capacitive surface, and data that is stored in asensory-interface device and processed by an embedded microcontroller inthe sensory-interface device to identify and authenticate a user. Inthis example, the authentication can enable additional transactions suchas a mobile payment.

In another example, a user, or a user group can customize a sencode,which is a combination of sensory data points that provides forauthentication for one user, or a senscode for more than one user.Sencodes and senscodes may incorporate traditional character input(numbers and/or letters) with one or more sensory inputs. Anotherexample of a sencode is an audio sound that is converted to data.Another example is a set of touch sensory inputs configured to establishan individual grip on a mobile device. In one example, a softwareapplication specific to creating and interpreting sencodes and senscodesis configured to determine if a user is right or left handed.

An advantage of the present invention is the ability to determine rightand left handed users, and to provide specific content and/or userinterfaces that are optimized to either a right handed user or a lefthanded user. In one example, the determination is automatic whenconfiguring the attached mobile device. In another example, the right orleft hand determination is configured within the sensory-interfacedevice.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device, connected to anattached mobile device, includes a laser. In one example of use, thelaser is used detect distances to objects or surfaces, or to obtainother data. This data can then be shared with other users. One exampleis includes a number of interconnected sensory-interface device users,wherein data from a primary sensory-interface device can be processed inits onboard microcontroller, sometimes in conjunction with stored data,and then is transmitted via the attached mobile device to other(satellite) sensory-interface device/mobile device combinations,processed by the satellite sensory-interface devices and made availablefor display or for other output for satellite sensory-interface deviceusers.

In another example, a measuring wheel is attached to thesensory-interface device and the measurements collected can be convertedto data and sent via the sensory-interface device to the attached mobiledevice, sent to storage either on board the sensory-interface device orto another location, and can be communicated to other devices based uponthe digital rights management and authentications provided for by thesensory-interface device.

In some embodiments, for use in underwater or extreme air pressureenvironments, sensors embedded in the sensory-interface device obtainpressure measurements of the local environment pressure. Customizablesoftware interfaces communicate certain triggers, alarms or other datato the user and other users.

In some embodiments, personal data is stored in the sensory-interfacedevice. For example, individuals who are diabetic or have an unusualallergy or blood type often wear bracelets or other identification tagson their person. In this example, certain personal data including amedical record can be stored in and accessed via the sensory-interfacedevice by emergency responding personnel based upon previously definedconditions. In some cases, sensory inputs from the sensory-interfacedevice will authenticate an individual before releasing the data. Inanother example, the data is encrypted for security purposes and theencryption key for a sencode or senscode is stored on the Sensusapparatus.

In some embodiments data collected from a sensory-interface device isshared via a peer to peer sharing network. In one example, the senscodeto unlock data can be sent to additional devices or provided fordownload, wherein a satellite sensory-interface device can store thesenscode either within an attached mobile device or within the embeddeddata storage of the sensory-interface device. Because of the sensorsembedded within the sensory-interface device, authentication informationand other sensory data and information collected from the remotesatellite sensory-interface devices can be transmitted back to a primarysensory-interface device.

In an embodiment specific to gaming, the sensory-interface devicesignificantly improves the user interface for the content game andinteraction with other users. In one example, the sensory-interfacedevice enables multiple players can simultaneously access the game fromthe traditional touch-screen on an attached mobile device, while (viasensory-interface device enabling software code) other players accessthe game from the touch-sensitive surface on the back of thesensory-interface device. The sensory-interface device enables separateplayers to control separate functions within the game or other softwareapplication.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes a plurality ofsensory output components that control the heat, vibration, color,and/or tactile feel of the sensory-interface device Such components arecustom configured to provide output based on user input of sensor dataand/or output of application programs.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device sends raw data toanother device such as a mobile device. In other embodiments, data isprocessed within the sensory-interface device. In some embodiments, datais sent as commands. In other embodiments, data is encrypted based upona senscode or sencode.

In other embodiments, a sensory-interface device can be configured tohave separate public keys for data access or output, and private keysfor data access or output.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device and its attached mobiledevice are utilized as a remote control for a 3^(rd) device, In someembodiments, a sensory-interface device can adaptively send data to oneor more sensory-interface devices. In other embodiments, asensory-interface device includes a computer system, an external sensorycase that contains sensory inputs for a mobile device, and wherein thesensory-interface device includes a microprocessor and attaches(wirelessly, or via direct connection) to a mobile device.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes one or moretouch-sensitive surface that can detect finger gestures. Amicroprocessor embedded in the sensory-interface device can beconfigured (or manipulated) by a user or a developer to customize codethat is manipulated in the microprocessor and/or the softwareapplication that is running on the attached mobile device. In someembodiments, the sensory-interface device includes an embedded powersupply or battery, independent of the attached mobile device's powersource. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includesexternal data storage capacity configured to provide authenticationwhere the data can be secured. In some embodiments, the data includesmedical and financial data. In some embodiments, digital rightsmanagement is used to secure digital storage containing architect/movieproducer/photographer data. In some embodiments, information availablefor emergency responders is biometrically secured. In some embodiments,a sensory-interface device can authenticate a user via chorded input(multiple finger input), grip and/or gesture recognition.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes transmittingdata via RFID such that the sensory-interface device services as asecure ID device to perform functions such as unlocking a cabinet or anencrypted data file. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface(s)are reconfigurable and dynamically mapped to virtual buttons, whichfacilitates multiplayer gaming wherein the cursors from a firstsensory-interface device with attached mobile device reflect what isgoing on in another person's second sensory-interface device withattached mobile device. In some embodiments, the connection between afirst sensory-interface device with attached mobile device and a secondsensory-interface device with attached mobile device is Bluetooth®. Insome embodiments, a sensory-interface device allows multiple gameplayers to hold the device and simultaneously provide input via thetouch-sensitive surface in order to collectively interact with a gameand each other. In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includesa control device such as a wheel for gambling gaming. In someembodiments, applications send data over a network for gaming,authentication or other collaborative purposes between a firstsensory-interface device with attached mobile device and a secondsensory-interface device with attached mobile device

In other embodiments, the present invention includes a novel method tosend data to other external devices.

In some embodiments, a sensory-interface device includes light sensitivesensors programmed to gather light data including, ISO number,intensity, color values and color temperatures (in degrees Kelvin). Thesensory-interface device essentially combines a light meter, a colormeter and a flash meter that interfaces with the attached mobile device,and external devices such as light flash units, and communicates withother like apparatuses. In other embodiments, a sensory-interface deviceenables an external device that triggers a flash device, enables a userinterface on the attached mobile device screen, such that gesture sensorcontrols located on the sensory-interface device in conjunction with atouch sensitive screen on either the attached mobile device or on theback of the invention apparatus, recognize certain location input from acamera with the view displayed on the mobile device screen, wherein alight sensor reading can be measured by the sensory-interface device.The sensory-interface device can then communicate that reading to otherexternal devices and trigger a flash or other function from the externaldevices.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method thatincludes providing a protective case having touch sensors, attaching thetouch-sensor case to a user's mobile device, sensing touch of a user onthe case; and wirelessly receiving data into the case. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes sensing a grip ofthe user; determining from the sensed grip whether the user is holdingthe device with a left hand versus a right hand; generating a firstauthentication code that is personal to the user based on thedetermination; combining the first authentication code with a deviceauthentication code to generate a combined personal-and-deviceauthentication code that enables a software function of the mobiledevice. In some embodiments, the present invention further includesgathering data from a plurality of sources for compilation into at leastone touch-sensitive device; such that the data can be sent to remotesatellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from a database thatis internal to the touch-sensitive device that is accessible through acommunications network.

In some embodiments, the present invention further includes sensingbiometric data of the user. In other embodiments, the present inventionfurther includes sensor components that are located on the back, sidesand bevel edges of a protective, clip-on enclosure of a mobileelectronic device. In other embodiments, the present invention furtherincludes processing, sending data generated from the input sensorycomponents to other electronic devices via a wireless communicationnetwork. In other embodiments, the present invention further includesreceiving data generated from the input sensory components of otherelectronic devices via a wireless communication network. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes sending andreceiving data generated from the input sensory components to a databaseembedded in the sensory clip on device. In other embodiments, thepresent invention further includes sending and receiving data generatedfrom the input sensory components to a database located on a networkseparate from the sensory clip on device. In other embodiments, thepresent invention further includes determining from the sensed gripwhether the user is holding the device with a left hand. In otherembodiments, the present invention further includes combining a firstauthentication code with a device authentication code to generate acombined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a softwarefunction of the mobile device. In other embodiments, the presentinvention further includes sensing some other parameter (light, gravitydirection) or touch. In other embodiments, the present invention furtherincludes providing feedback to the user by vibrating the case and/oractivating an illumination source in the case. In other embodiments, thepresent invention further includes activating applications on otherelectronic devices (such as a TV), and receiving data parameters fromother electronic devices; wherein the parameters can be interpreted andchanged from touch-sensitive surfaces on the device. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes providing a costparameter indicating price of some content and a content-type parameter;and combining the cost parameter with the first authentication code toform an authenticated purchase code and transmitting the authenticatedpurchase code to a remote server.

In some embodiments, the present invention further includes elicitingand receiving parameters indicative of sensory gestures of the user thatindicate preferences improving user interface of software applications.In other embodiments, the present invention further includes elicitingand receiving parameters indicative of sensory gestures of the user thatindicate preferences improving user interface of software applicationsthat also incorporate a time function. In other embodiments, the presentinvention further includes eliciting and receiving parameters indicativeof sensory inputs of the user to authenticate a user; and wherein a timefunction is included in the authentication. In some embodiments of thepresent invention the parameters collected by the sensory inputs, andthe authentication information is used in a plurality ways. Depending onthe particular embodiment, this data may be stored on the sensoryapparatus; stored on a remote server; communicated to a satellitesensory apparatus; used to authenticate a transaction, and/or used toauthenticate a user.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a computer-readablemedium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions whenexecuted by a suitable information processor, perform a method whichincludes receiving a signal that includes parameters from a grip of theuser on a protective case having a touch sensor, wherein thetouch-sensor case is attached to a user's mobile device; determiningfrom the sensed grip whether the user is holding the device with a lefthand versus a right hand; and generating a first authentication codethat is personal to the user based on the determination. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes the ability toidentify if specific features are turned on or off. In some embodiments,the present invention further includes the ability to adjust the filterparameters to include sensitivity and data-quality measures. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes enabling thecustomizable adjustment of filters. In some embodiments, the presentinvention further includes enabling filter adjustment of intentional andunintentional gestures or touch and other data considered noise. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes the ability for theapparatus to provide training of system applications, user adaptionimproving the user interface. In some embodiments, the computer-readablemedium of claim 2, having further instructions stored thereon, whereinthe further instructions when executed by a suitable informationprocessor, cause the method to further include combining the firstauthentication code with a device authentication code to generate acombined personal-and-device authentication code that enables a softwarefunction of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the presentinvention further includes allowing for back channel adaptive control.In other embodiments, the present invention further includes enablingintuitive learning modes wherein the gestures from an electronic device,such as a TV, can communicate volume and channel gestures as defined bythe user. In some embodiments, the present invention further includesenabling a separate operating environment independent to the attachedmobile device. In some embodiments, the present invention furtherincludes enabling a separate operating environment independent to theattached mobile device; allowing for customizable features andapplications.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interfacedevice which includes a protective case that has touch capacitivesensors, wherein the touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to auser's mobile device; sensors in the case configured to sense a grip ofthe user; a handedness detector operably connected to the sensor andconfigured to determine from the sensed grip whether the user holds thedevice with a left hand versus a right hand; and a user-authenticationgenerator operably coupled to the handedness detector and configured togenerate a first authentication code that is personal to the user basedon the determination. In some embodiments, the present invention furtherincludes a combiner that combines the first authentication code with adevice-authentication code to generate a combinedpersonal-and-device-authentication code that enables a software functionof the mobile device. In other embodiments, the present inventionfurther includes an audio component sensing audio input data andenabling audio output from data received from another electronic device;and combining sensory audio information in to authentication code. Insome embodiments, the present invention further includes a lightsensitive component sensing light input data and enabling light andcolor output from data received from another electronic device; andcombining sensory light information in to authentication code. In otherembodiments, the present invention further includes a pressure componentsensing gravity and environmental pressure data and enabling the data tobe sent to a data base or another electronic device; and combiningpressure sensing information in to authentication code.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interfacedevice which includes a protective case that has touch capacitivesensors, wherein the touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to auser's mobile device. In some embodiments, the present inventionincludes a sensory-interface device which includes enabling a gesture,touch based switch wherein the code reverses of the ‘front’ touchdisplay of the mobile device to the back touch panel of the sensordevice. In some embodiments, the present invention includes asensory-interface device which includes code that stores information onthe firmware of the sensor-case at the root level. In some embodiments,the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includescode that is agnostic in user interface that can broadcast and sharewith other remote electronic devices. In some embodiments, the presentinvention includes a sensory-interface device which includes code thatenables the use of other additional sensory devices. In someembodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interface devicewhich includes code that enables the use of other additional sensorydevices including a laser. In some embodiments, the present inventionincludes a sensory-interface device which includes code that enables theuse of other additional sensory devices including an audio device.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interfacedevice which includes code that enables the use of other additionalsensory devices including a wheel measure device. In some embodiments,the present invention includes a sensory-interface device which includesa light meter that can wireless trigger external flash devices, or otherexternal apparatus.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method forimplementing and using a sensory-interface device. The method includes:providing a protective case having plurality of touch-sensitive sensors;attaching the touch-sensor case to a user's mobile device; providing acommunications mechanism configured exchange data between the protectivecase and a user's mobile phone; sensing touch of a user on the case;sensing a gesture made by the user on one of the touch sensitivesurfaces; generating a first authentication code that is personal to theuser based on the sensed gesture; combining the first authenticationcode with a device authentication code to generate a combinedpersonal-and-device authentication code that enables a software functionof the mobile device; and gathering data from a plurality of sources forcompilation into at least one touch-sensitive device; wherein the datacan be sent to remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchablefrom a database that is internal to the touch-sensitive device that isaccessible through a communications network.

In some embodiments of the method, the touch sensitive sensors arelocated on the back and sides of the protective case.

In some embodiments of the method, the touch sensitive sensors sensetouch location and pressure, and wherein the touch sensors sensemultiple simultaneous touches.

In some embodiments of the method, the touch-sensitive sensors measurethe touch location and touch pressure variation over time.

In some embodiments of the method, the sensed gesture is a grip, anddetermining from the sensed grip whether the user is holding the devicewith a left hand versus a right hand.

In some embodiments of the method, the protective case includes a back,a plurality of sides and a plurality of beveled edges, and wherein theplurality of touch-sensitive sensors are located on the back, sides andbevel edges of the protective case.

In some embodiments of the method, the protective case further includessecure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facility andencrypted data stored in the secure data storage; and the combinedpersonal-and-device authentication code is required to accessinformation the encrypted data in the secure data storage.

In some embodiments of the method, the protective case further includesa laser and a light sensing device.

In some embodiments of the method, the surface of the touch-sensitivesensors is textured to provide tactile feedback to the user.

In some embodiments of the method, the communication mechanism betweenthe protective case and the mobile phone is wireless.

In some embodiments of the method, the communication mechanism betweenthe protective case and the mobile phone is wired.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a computer-readablemedium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions whenexecuted by a suitable information processor, perform a method thatincludes: receiving a signal that includes parameters from a gesturemade by a user on a protective case having a touch sensor, wherein thetouch-sensor case is attached to a user's mobile device; generating afirst authentication code that is personal to the user based on thegesture; combining the first authentication code with a deviceauthentication code to generate a combined personal-and-deviceauthentication code that enables a software function of the mobiledevice; and gathering data from a plurality of sources for compilationinto at least one touch-sensitive device; wherein the data can be sentto remote satellite devices; wherein the data is searchable from adatabase that is internal to the touch-sensitive device that isaccessible through a communications network.

In some embodiments of the medium, the protective case further includessecure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facility andencrypted data stored in the secure data storage; and the medium furtherincludes instructions such that the method further includes: elicitingand receiving data from the user; encrypting the data and storing thedata in the secure data storage; eliciting and receiving from the user agesture that generates the first authentication code that is required toaccess the encrypted data in the secure data storage; and decrypting thedata.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus thatincludes: a protective case that has touch capacitive sensors, whereinthe touch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a user's mobiledevice; sensors in the case configured to sense a gesture made by theuser; gesture detector operably connected to the sensor; and auser-authentication generator operably coupled to the gesture detectorand configured to generate a first authentication code that is personalto the user based on the gesture.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the touch sensitive sensors arelocated on the back and sides of the protective case. In someembodiments of the apparatus, the touch sensitive sensors sense touchlocation and pressure variation over time, and wherein the touch sensorssense multiple simultaneous touches. In some embodiments of theapparatus, the protective case further includes secure data storage, adata encryption and decryption facility and encrypted data stored in thesecure data storage; and the authentication code is required to accessinformation the encrypted data in the secure data storage. In someembodiments of the apparatus, the gesture detector detects if thegesture is a grip a grip, and determines from the sensed grip whetherthe user is holding the device with a left hand versus a right hand.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the protective case includes aback, a plurality of sides and a plurality of beveled edges, and whereinthe plurality of touch-sensitive sensors are located on the back, sidesand bevel edges of the protective case. In some embodiments of theapparatus, the protective case includes a laser and a light sensingdevice.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interfacedevice which includes code that enables the use of other additionalsensory devices; wherein certain code processes data on the apparatus;wherein the apparatus is external device separate from a wireless mobiledevice; wherein the apparatus has sensory inputs that enable userinterface, and wherein the apparatus can wirelessly transmit data orcode to enable separate functions on external, separate devices. In someembodiments, the present invention includes a sensory-interface devicewhich includes code that enables gathering more than one sensory datainput, and combining the multivariate data inputs in to a summary symbolor score. In some embodiments, the present invention further includesgesture based recognition of hand grip and finger and thumb navigationof the software application; wherein the software application functionswithin the mobile device. In some embodiments, the present inventionfurther includes gesture based recognition of hand grip and finger andthumb navigation of the software application; wherein the softwareapplication functions within the external sensory apparatus. In someembodiments, the present invention further includes light sensorcomponents that gather data; enabling a wireless trigger for an externaldevice wherein the external device is one or more flash devices, enablesan interface with the mobile device screen, the gesture sensor controlslocated on the apparatus, certain gestures are programmed to recognizelocation in put on the screen, wherein the light sensors than measurethe light readings specific to the location input from the mobile devicescreen.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Although numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments as described herein have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, many other embodimentsand changes to details will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention shouldbe, therefore, determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and“third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to imposenumerical requirements on their objects.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for implementing and using a firstsensory-interface device, the method comprising: providing a protectivetouch-sensor case having plurality of touch-sensitive surfaces that eachhave a plurality of touch-sensitive sensors; attaching the protectivetouch-sensor case to a first user's mobile device to form the firstsensory-interface device, wherein the mobile device has a displayvisible on a front face of the first sensory-interface device, whereinthe plurality of the touch-sensitive surfaces includes a firsttouch-sensitive surface on a back face of the first sensory-interfacedevice, and wherein the first sensory-interface device is one of aplurality of sensory-interface devices each having a respective user;exchanging data between the protective touch-sensor case and the firstuser's mobile device; sensing touch of the first user on the protectivetouch-sensor case; training the first sensory-interface device torecognize a first gesture of the first user by having the first usertrace the first gesture a plurality of times on the back face of thefirst sensory-interface device and developing a first set of referenceinformation from a parameterized model of the first gesture; sensing andcapturing a gesture made by the first user on the first touch-sensitivesurface on the back face of the first sensory-interface device;comparing the captured gesture to the first set of reference informationand, if the comparison is sufficiently matching, then generating a firstpersonal authentication code that is personal to the first user based onthe captured gesture; gathering data input from each respective userinto each one of the plurality of sensory-interface devices forcompilation into at least one of the plurality of sensory-interfacedevices; wirelessly sending the gathered data input among the pluralityof sensory-interface devices based on personal authentication codes ofthe respective users of the plurality of sensory-interface devices;storing the gathered data input in a searchable database that isinternal to the first sensory-interface device; and accessing andsearching the database that is internal to the first sensory-interfacedevice through a communications network.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the first sensory-interface device includes a second pluralityof touch-sensitive sensors located on the sides of the protectivetouch-sensor case.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method furtherincludes using the touch sensitive sensors to sense touch location andpressure, and wherein the touch sensors sense multiple simultaneoustouches.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includesusing the touch-sensitive sensors to measure the touch location andtouch pressure variation over time.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein thecaptured gesture is a grip, wherein the sensing of the gesture includessensing the user's palm touching the back face of the firstsensory-interface device and sensing some of the user's fingers touchingsides of the first sensory-interface device, and wherein the methodfurther includes determining from the sensed grip whether the first useris holding the device with the first user's left hand versus the firstuser's right hand.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the protective caseincludes a back, a plurality of sides and a plurality of beveled edges,and wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive sensors are located on theback, on the sides and on the beveled edges of the protective case. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the protective case further includessecure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facility andencrypted data stored in the secure data storage, wherein the combinedpersonal-and-device authentication code is required to accessinformation the encrypted data in the secure data storage, and whereinthe method further comprises: eliciting and receiving data from thefirst user; encrypting the data and storing the encrypted data in thesecure data storage; eliciting and receiving from the first user thegesture that generates the first authentication code; and decrypting thedata based on the first personal authentication code.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the protective case further includes a laser and alight sensing device.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface ofthe touch-sensitive sensors is textured to provide tactile feedback tothe user.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the communication mechanismbetween the protective case and the mobile phone is wireless.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the communication mechanism between theprotective case and the mobile phone is wired.
 12. The method of claim1, further comprising: combining the first personal authentication codewith a device authentication code to generate a combinedpersonal-and-device authentication code that enables a software functionof the mobile device.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:training the first sensory-interface device to recognize a secondgesture of the first user by having the first user trace the secondgesture a plurality of times on the back face of the firstsensory-interface device, and developing a second set of referenceinformation from a parameterized model of the first gesture; sensing andcapturing a further gesture made by the first user on the firsttouch-sensitive surface on the back face of the first sensory-interfacedevice and comparing the captured further gesture to the second set ofreference information and, if the comparison is sufficiently matching,then generating a second personal authentication code that is personalto the first user based on the second gesture; eliciting and receivingdata from the first user; encrypting the data using the second personalauthentication code and storing the encrypted data in the secure datastorage; eliciting and receiving from the first user the second gestureand generating the second authentication code based on the secondgesture; and decrypting the data based on the second personalauthentication code.
 14. A computer-readable medium having instructionsstored thereon, wherein the instructions when executed by a suitableinformation processor, perform a method comprising: exchanging databetween a protective touch-sensor case and a first user's mobile device,wherein the protective touch-sensor case includes a plurality oftouch-sensitive surfaces that each have a plurality of touch-sensitivesensors, and wherein the protective touch-sensor case is attached to thefirst user's mobile device to form a first sensory-interface device,wherein the mobile device has a display visible on a front face of thefirst sensory-interface device, wherein the plurality of thetouch-sensitive surfaces includes a first touch-sensitive surface on aback face of the first sensory-interface device, and wherein the firstsensory-interface device is one of a plurality of sensory-interfacedevices each having a respective user; sensing touch of the first useron the protective touch-sensor case; training the firstsensory-interface device to recognize a first gesture of the first userby having the first user trace the first gesture a plurality of times onthe back face of the first sensory-interface device, and developing afirst set of reference information from a parameterized model of thefirst gesture; sensing and capturing a gesture made by the first user onthe first touch-sensitive surface on the back face of the firstsensory-interface device; comparing the captured gesture to the firstset of reference information and, if the comparison is sufficientlymatching, then generating a first personal authentication code that ispersonal to the first user based on the captured gesture; gathering datafrom each one of the plurality of sensory-interface devices forcompilation into at least one of the plurality of sensory-interfacedevices; wirelessly sending the data among the plurality ofsensory-interface devices based on personal authentication codes of therespective users of the plurality of sensory-interface devices; storingthe data in a searchable database that is internal to the firstsensory-interface device; and accessing and searching the database thatis internal to the sensory-interface device through a communicationsnetwork.
 15. The medium of claim 14, wherein the protective case furtherincludes secure data storage, a data encryption and decryption facilityand encrypted data stored in the secure data storage, and wherein themedium further includes instructions such that the method furthercomprises: combining the first personal authentication code with adevice authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-deviceauthentication code that enables a software function of the mobiledevice, wherein the combined personal-and-device authentication code isrequired to access information the encrypted data in the secure datastorage; eliciting and receiving data from the first user; encryptingthe data and storing the encrypted data in the secure data storage;eliciting and receiving from the first user the gesture that generatesthe first authentication code that is combined with the deviceauthentication code to generate the combined personal-and-deviceauthentication code required to access the encrypted data in the securedata storage; and decrypting the data based on the combinedpersonal-and-device authentication code.
 16. The medium of claim 14,wherein the medium further includes instructions such that the methodfurther comprises: combining the first personal authentication code witha device authentication code to generate a combined personal-and-deviceauthentication code that enables a software function of the mobiledevice.
 17. An apparatus comprising: a protective touch-sensor case thathas a first plurality of touch-sensitive sensors, wherein thetouch-sensor case is configured to be attached to a first user's mobiledevice to form a first sensory-interface device that has a front facethat shows a display of the user's mobile device and a back face thatincludes the first plurality of touch-sensitive sensors, wherein thefirst sensory-interface device is one of a plurality ofsensory-interface devices each having a respective user; agesture-modeling unit in the touch-sensor case that is configured toelicit and receive a plurality of traces of a first gesture by the firstuser on the back face of the first sensory-interface device and todevelop a first set of reference information from a parameterized modelof the first gesture; wherein the first plurality of touch-sensitivesensors in the case are configured to later sense a gesture made by thefirst user on the back face of the first sensory-interface device; agesture detector operably connected to the first plurality oftouch-sensitive sensors and configured to capture the sensed gesture; auser-authentication generator operably coupled to the gesture detectorand configured to compare the captured gesture to the first set ofreference information and, if the captured gesture and the first set ofreference information sufficiently match, then to generate a firstpersonal authentication code that is personal to the first user based onthe gesture; a data input gatherer in each one of the plurality ofsensory-interface devices configured to gather date input from eachrespective user of the plurality of sensory-interface devices forcompilation into at least one of the plurality of sensory-interfacedevices; a wireless transceiver configured to send the data between theplurality of sensory-interface devices based on personal authenticationcodes of the respective users of the plurality of sensory-interfacedevices; a database that is internal to the sensory-interface devicethat is configured to store the data in the database based on personalauthentication codes of the respective users of the plurality ofsensory-interface devices; and a database searcher unit that searchesthe database that is internal to the first sensory-interface device andprovides access to the database through a communications network. 18.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first sensory-interface deviceincludes a second plurality of touch-sensitive sensors located on thesides of the protective touch-sensor case.
 19. The apparatus of claim17, wherein the first plurality of touch-sensitive sensors sense touchlocation and pressure variation over time, and wherein the firstplurality of touch-sensitive sensors sense multiple simultaneoustouches.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the protectivetouch-sensor case further includes secure data storage, a dataencryption and decryption facility and encrypted data stored in thesecure data storage; and wherein the first personal authentication codeis required to access information the encrypted data in the secure datastorage.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the firstsensory-interface device senses the user's palm on the back face of thefirst sensory-interface device and the user's fingers on sides of thefirst sensory-interface device, and wherein the gesture detector detectsif the gesture is a grip by the sensed user's palm on the back face ofthe first sensory-interface device and the sensed user's fingers onsides of the first sensory-interface device and determines from thesensed grip whether the user is holding the device with a left handversus a right hand.
 22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein theprotective touch-sensor case includes a back that forms the back face ofthe first sensory-interface device, a plurality of sides and a pluralityof beveled edges, and wherein the plurality of touch-sensitive sensorsare located on the back, sides and bevel edges of the protectivetouch-sensor case.
 23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the protectivetouch-sensor case further includes a laser and a light sensing device.24. An apparatus comprising: a sensory-shell protective housing formobile computing device, the housing comprising: a plurality of externalsensory inputs on the housing; a gesture-modeling unit in thetouch-sensor case that is configured to elicit and receive a pluralityof traces of a first gesture by the first user on the back face of thefirst sensory-interface device and to develop a first set of referenceinformation from a parameterized model of the first gesture; a gesturedetector operably connected to the plurality of external sensory inputsand configured to capture a gesture; a user-authentication generatoroperably coupled to the gesture detector and configured to compare thecaptured gesture to the first set of reference information and, if thecaptured gesture and the first set of reference information sufficientlymatch, then to generate a first personal authentication code that ispersonal to the first user based on the gesture; and a compartment inthe housing adapted to receive a plug-in functional subsystem, thecompartment including a plurality of electrical contacts adapted to passsignals between the housing and the plug-in functional subsystem. 25.The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising the functional plug-insubsystem positioned in the compartment and electrically connected tothe plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the functional plug-insubsystem includes an additional plurality of external sensory inputs.